An Incredible Offer

By: Kasey Knowlton

Psalm 23 is one of many Psalms authored by King David and speaks to the goodness and provision of God.  It also reflects the Messianic promises of Jesus.  It paints God as a shepherd, one who tends to His sheep with care.  In fact, the first verse begins with, “The Lord is my shepherd…”  There are many references in scripture that relate God to a shepherd of His people.  Most notably I think would be how Jesus refers to himself in John 10:14-15 - “I am the good shepherd.  I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”  The Psalm continues with, “I shall not want.”  David explores why we are not left in want throughout the next several verses.

             “He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside quiet waters.  He restores my soul.  He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.”  Here the Lord is shown as bringing us rest and abundance.  We are lying down in green pastures.  He doesn’t bring us to a barren waste, but to green, lush, pastures.  There’s no concern of going hungry.  Our Shepherd brings us peace and refreshment.  We shall not go thirsty.  And notice the waters are not threatening, they are not a raging river, but quiet, still and inviting.  We are offered restoration, and not merely for our bodies, but for our souls.  It reminds me of Jesus’ offer back in John 10:9 - “I am the door.  If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”  He is our guide to good paths, righteous ways.  He does not lead us astray.  The verse also tells us why.  It is not merely for our good, but for “His names sake.”  He does it because it brings Him glory!

            The Psalm continues.  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.  Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”  Despite being in the face of death, we have no fear of evil.  Not because of anything we’ve done, but because the Lord is with us.  The shepherd protects his sheep with his rod or club (used to fight off wild beasts, as David was very familiar with), and he guides straying sheep with his staff or crook.  His protection and provision is a comfort to King David, as it is meant to be for us as well.  And just think, God is serving us, preparing a meal, a feast, for us.  And not only is He acting here as a gracious host, but he is also doing so in front of those who hate us!  It reminds me of Paul’s words in Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

David continues.  “You have anointed my head with oil” (This would’ve been a courtesy shown to special guests, the oils full of rich, fragrant smells).  “My cup overflows.  Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life.”  God is a God of abundance.  We shall not run out!  And why do good things follow us?  Going back a few verses, it is because He is with us.  He then ends the Psalm.  “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  David speaks here of assurance of his eternal destiny, that he is spoken for.

The assurance that David speaks of is ours as well.  It reminds us that we are not guests for a day, but for all time.  Jesus reminds us of this in John 10:27-29 - “My sheep here my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”  We are secure in Christ, and nothing can separate us!