So we as believers, weighed
down by worldliness and
care, need to experience the
Good Shepherd's pruning to
allow us the freedom to grow
and to serve Him. The fat
that plagues sheep is due to
their inherent laziness. We,
too, suffer spiritually when
we are undisciplined and self-
indulgent. Out of His love for
us He dutifully makes us
work, stretch and grow.
sake" (vs. 3b). Sheep are
creatures of habit, constantly
seeking the same pasture
even though it is stripped
of grass. We, too, prefer our
own way. Isaiah reminds us,
"We all, like sheep, have
gone astray, each of us has
turned to our own way"
in the way of finding new pasture. That is why shep-
herds use sheep dogs--to nip at their heels and force
them to go where the shepherd leads. Sometimes, for
our own good, we must be forced to leave our old ways
to find the nourishment we need to feed our souls.
no permanent residency for the child of God. The reason
behind this movement: "for His name's sake." Edward
Harland has written,
Subdue each rising, rebel thought
And all my will conform to Thine.
Help me to live by faith in Him
Who lived and died and rose for me.
a path devoid of threat. "Even though I walk through
the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are
with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me"
the valley where dangers lurk, but right through it.
The darkness represents not only death itself, but any
experience so painful that it feels as if we are dying.
The great British preacher Charles Spurgeon said, "But
shadow cannot harm us anymore than a dog's shadow
can bite or the shadow of a sword can wound."
about
we need Him close by our side where we can clutch Him
and feel His hand rest softly on our shoulder.
my cup overflows" (vs. 5). The focus now shifts from
shepherd to friend. It is an unusual setting, a table amid
enemies. This could indicate one of three things. First,
that despite the enemies surrounding me, I am so safe in
the Good Shepherd's care that enemies are powerless to
touch me. Second, it could refer to the ancient practice of
a king surrounding his banquet table with the kings and
generals he has defeated and captured, a reminder of his
victory over them. And finally, it could represent a feast
that commemorates the sealing of a covenant, the signing
of a peace treaty. "The enemies who sought to destroy me
are now living with me in peace."
of the Lord forever" (vs. 6). With this Good Shepherd
leading and befriending, only goodness and love can be
the result. It is not just a brief respite but a way of life.
The child of God knows that despite feast or famine,
regardless of abundance or abasement, whether young
or old, the believer's normal state of existence is abiding
in the love and goodness of God.
ment longer, I shall not be separated from the gentle
Shepherd. In that day, He will lead as surely as He has
always, and I will dwell with Him forever.
Whate'er I do, wher'ere I be,
Still `tis God's hand that leadeth me.