Psalms 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
The 23 Psalm is arguably the most popular Psalm in the Bible, and maybe song in the world. We learn it as children. We recite it as students, and preach it as ministers. But this morning I’m challenged to explain how we must live it.
This Psalm of David is an intricate and detailed display of unyielding faith and trust in the Living God. From the very first sentence, to the last, David maintains an irrepressible posture of confidence in God that cannot be measured. This is faith personified.
Let’s take just a few seconds to look at some of the key words in this song. “He makes me lie down in green pastures”. “He restores my soul”. “He leads me, prepares me, anoints me”. Each of these are affirmations of trust, and deep faith. But the phase that moves me most, is the segment that mentions not fearing going through the valley of the shadow of death, because the rod and staff of the Shepherd are comforting. That is profound beyond words.
Trusting God in difficult times is one thing. But to be comforted at your lowest moments by his rod of correction, and staff of guidance is truly mind boggling. There is a level of spiritual maturity in this psalm that is seldom found in our day and time. It is prophetic. This psalm incapsulates the character of the Christ to come. I dare say there is no Old Testament writing that more adequately describes the person and persona of Jesus Christ.
As we continue our exploration of the life and mannerisms of Christ Jesus, we can’t escape the overwhelming demonstration of faith in the Father he always displayed. Of all the emotions, feelings, thoughts and discussions, there was never a point where we see Jesus at a point of faithlessness. And his faith was demonstrated by his unwavering, and relentless obedience. Wherever his Father told him to go, whatever God told him to, and no matter what he was told to say, he went, he did, and he said it. Jesus demonstrated his faith. Faith follows directives. Direction. Instruction. Faith follows the leading of the Spirit at all times.
If I may, let me show an often missed opportunity of faithfulness that we all may be guilty of. The Gospel of Mark 4:35-41 recites the story of Jesus calming the raging seas. He and his disciples were in a boat together, but things were looking very bad. It appeared the boat might be overcome by the waves. The disciples were panicked and called for Jesus to do something. Now read this: Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” On the surface, it looks like the disciples did exactly what they should. When in trouble, call on Jesus, right? But did you note the response of Jesus? Why are you afraid! You still have no faith!
Then it hit me. The 23 Psalm. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me. The disciples trusted Jesus could do some things, but ignored his authority over all things.
Dear children of God, we have an advantage over the disciples. We can learn from their mistake. Next time we’re in peril, shipwreck or even facing the shadow of death, all we have to do is locate Jesus, get a pillow and go to sleep right next to him. Faith doesn’t fear or scare easily. Faith follows.
God bless
