This Sunday is often called the Sunday of the Good Shepherd, an image which describes the rescuing work of Jesus from Calvary's cross and the empty tomb. Jesus is both the Lamb who was slain for your salvation, and your Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep. Not surprisingly, the Psalm assigned for this coming Sunday is the 23rd Psalm, one of the best known and most loved texts in Scripture.
PSALM 23 A PSALM OF DAVID.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
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.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
Two thoughts come to my mind as I read these beautiful verses. First: The LORD is my Shepherd. We aren't self-sufficient creatures; we depend on our Shepherd for everything. Without Him we're soon lost. We live in a state of constant need. We're not in control of our path, our destinations, nor anything else. Boy, do we like to think so. Pause and give thanks to God your Father in heaven, that He sent His Son to be your Shepherd, who cares for you every day!
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
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.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Second: I will fear no evil. O, there is plenty in our lives worthy of fear, and we fear more than we should. But Jesus, your Good Shepherd defeated evil on Calvary's cross! While the devil, the world and your sinful nature do harm you, they cannot kill you. In His Easter morning resurrection, Jesus your Good Shepherd defeated death itself! The great news of Easter is this: instead of fearing evil and death, we live joy-filled lives, set free from guilt & shame by God's forgiveness. We also look forward to eternal life in heaven with complete confidence and surety.
All of the comforts in this beautiful psalm are yours, because your Shepherd walked through the valley of death and rose victoriously for your salvation! Rest and feast at HIs table, living in His house forever!
Peace in Christ, your awesome & good Shepherd!
Pastor Mark
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS Burton, Michigan
office: 810.744.1188 mobile: 248.881.7627
We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:
Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.
Soli Deo Gloria
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
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