LESSON 11

12/31/02

SCRIPTURES: Ps. 23, Ezek.34, John. 10:11, Heb.13: 20, 1Pet.2: 25

YOU’RE THOUGHTS: What is the difference between wanting something or needing something?

Why is Jesus called the Good Shepherd?

MY THOUGHTS: One of the most popular books in the Bible is the Book of Psalms and one of the most read chapters in this book is Psalms 23. In this lesson I would like to talk about why David wrote this thought captivating chapter and how important the concept behind this chapter was in David’s life as well as it is in our lives today.

The first verse reads, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. As most of us know David’s prime occupation as a young lad was a shepherd. In order to be effective as a good shepherd David learned that his wants would have to be last on his priority list while the needs of his sheep would have to be first. In other words he would have to do what ever it takes to protect his sheep. If one sheep would happen to leave the security of the flock and venture out into danger, David would have to risk his life to bring that sheep back home.

Another important task that David would have to perform was making sure that his sheep were led to green pastures or meadows so that they can feed and bed down during the night. He also made sure that his sheep were near streams or brooks so that they could drink. This is how the second verse in Psalms 23 was originated.

When David was done leading his flock to an area that was satisfying to their needs and also very safe, he would have a whole lot of time to be absorbed in deep thought. Even though there probably were other shepherds near by, I believe David was mostly alone. I believe that while he was watching his sheep contently grazing, or when he successfully deterred a wild animal’s attempt in endangering his flock, he was enlightened with the thought that this is what God does for him.

God knew what was in store for David later on in his life. God knew that David would have to overcome the fear of an intimidating giant known as Goliath. That’s why David had to fight off animal’s a lot bigger then him with not only a sling shot, but also a staff or a big stick. I believe this is what triggered David in writing the last phrase in the forth verse of Psalm 23, Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. David feels secure in his God. similar to how he felt with those crude weapons. God also knew that David would be running for his life. He would be running from a deranged jealous king known as King Saul. David had to hide in caves from Saul for many days. His fear caused him to reach out for God, which probably inspired him to write the first phrase in verse 4 of Psalm 23.

David had many opportunities in his life where he had to practice forgiveness and mercy. King Saul ruined David’s life so much that if David had an opportunity to kill him he wouldn’t have to think twice about it. David had two chances to kill Saul. Once while Saul was sleeping (1Sam.26: 9) and once when David was deep inside a cave and Saul was standing at the entrance (1Sam.24: 3-4). On both occasions David did not kill Saul because he respected God’s choice in anointing Saul as King. I believe that the last two verses were inspired by these two events.

In conclusion, I would like to remind you that we are in need of a shepherd and it is wonderful to know that God is our shepherd. He will lead us to green pastures and walk us beside still waters. We don’t need to fear for thy rod and thy staff will comfort us. Like David, lets walk with the greatest confidence in our God who is greater then any problem or adversity that may cross our path. Remember, the biggest adversity that can come our way is death. Guess what, God took care of that too by raising from the dead our Lord Jesus. (Heb. 13: 20). If He can do that, then any problem that you have can be lifted up to our Great Shepherd of the Sheep, Jesus Christ (Heb.13:20).

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