Psalm 23:2
The Good Shepherd who provides for you.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (KJV)
At the cross on Calvary’s hill. The Son of God. Jesus Christ. Was suspended between earth and heaven. There. He bore the sins of the entire earth in His body. He carried your sins on His own back. That you might have salvation and life. Here we see how the Good Shepherd gives His life for you. David speaks to us reminding us: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”
A good shepherd leads his sheep to calm. Clean water. As a good shepherd. The Lord guided David to green pasture. That is, He provided well for David. Giving him abundance. Rest. And peace. Jesus. The Good Shepherd. Provides all this care for His own.
David writes that the Lord provides rest in green pastures. And guides him to still waters. Shepherds in biblical times did not "drive" their sheep. Instead of pushing the herd from behind. They walked ahead of the flock, which followed. The land of Israel did not have plentiful, verdant pastureland - Except in the rainy season.
Shepherds needed to guide their sheep to green pasture. Otherwise. The sheep would go hungry.
Sheep will not drink from a rushing stream. Nor will they instinctively seek out clean water. —They are prone to drinking whatever is nearby. A good shepherd leads his sheep to calm, clean water.
As a good shepherd, the Lord guided David to green pasture. He provided well for David. Giving him abundance. Rest. And peace. Jesus. The Good Shepherd. Provides all this care for His own. He gives us rest. Abundance. And peace.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2
He supplies the needs of our souls. He gives us the food of the Word of God. Strengthens us with His grace. And makes us find our rest in Him.
Just as a shepherd knows his sheep by name. So your Good Shepherd knows you personally. And calls you by name. “And the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name. And leads them out.” (John 10:3). We should be quick to heed His call. And follow Him!
“He leads me beside the still waters.” He refreshes you when you are weary. Revives your heart by His promises. Cheers you by His presence. Gives you His Holy Spirit. And enables you to rejoice in His salvation.
Amidst all trials and troubles. He comforts you and gives us fresh hope.
Some may say, “Why should I have trouble at all? Why does the good Shepherd send me anything besides comfort and pleasure? Why am I poor. Or sad. Or sick?”
The sheep do not choose their own pasture. – The shepherd chooses for them. In the same way. The disciple does not choose his own lot in life. – It is appointed for him. His Shepherd knows best what is good for him. The best is not always what is the most pleasant now. – But what is most profitable in the end.
Our Shepherd sometimes leads us through what seem to us dry and stony places. – But they lead to the Heavenly pastures! And even along the way. He feeds us and comforts us with all a shepherd’s care. Never is our Shepherd nearer to us than when we are in need or danger.
Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish–ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!” John 10:27-28
There is a great benefit in being in the Savior’s presence. Remember. The LORD is with you.
And that He will take care of you. But what about tomorrow? As we look to the future. We can expect the benefit of the Savior’s mercy and care. Especially when we need it the most.
We lie down in security – “Come unto Me...” Jesus has told us, “...all ye that are weary...” Wearied by the troubles and burdens of life. “Come unto Me... all who are heavy-laden...” Heavy laden with the guilt and burdens of sin. Yet He does not leave you to flounder alone. He provides for whatever you need, In this life. And especially in the life which is to come.
“Come unto Me...” the Good Shepherd has said, “...and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Matthew 11:28-30 He will supply you with all that we will ever need for your soul. “It is well; it is well, with my soul.” He alone will lead to the quiet waters. which gives you the Father’s peace.
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