The 23rd Psalm is one of the most beloved in the Bible. Its truth has stood sacrosanct for 3,000 years.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
This psalm is the voice of Jesus, singing unto his shepherd, Jehovah. Christ has no sin in him; he is faultless and pure in every way.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures.”
If we follow any other shepherd, we will find barren fields, destitute lives, and querulous relationships. Security is found only through Christ.
“He leads me beside still waters.”
The church is not our savior. Neither are religious rules and regulations. We cannot choose both the world’s way and Christ’s way.
“He restores my soul.”
The oil of recompense and restoration flows from the Shepherd’s vial. The world batters us, but the Lord cradles us in his arms.
“He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”
He returns us to his path over and over, by whatever measure it takes, until we see the truth of his outstretched hand. His way is the only road to redemption.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
The powers of darkness might assail us, but Christ is the light shining before us. His truth and righteousness are a beacon to guide us through our troubles.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
The promises of the Lord are unassailable. His goodness cannot be stolen by the evil one. What he has written in his Word will be done in his good time.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Goodness is God’s hand of generous blessing. Mercy is his willingness to draw us back to him when we stray. Forever means all the days of our lives and beyond.
This passage reveals our Lord’s love unto us. Why would we look anywhere else for evidence of the guiding hand of our almighty God?
Let’s quit looking for our assurance where it can’t be found. The Bible is all the truth we need.
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Code: FGO.A.23.16.vp.esv