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Psalm 23, Part 1

The definitive children’s book, written by Michael Rosen, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” has a brilliant lesson.  In classic children’s story fashion, the refrain of the story reminds us that there are some things we face that cannot be avoided and so our only option is that we have to go through them.

“We’re going on a bear hunt, we’re going to catch a big one. What a beautiful day! We’re not scared. Uh-oh! A river! A deep cold river…  We can’t go over it, we can’t go under it, we have to go through it!”

Psalm 23 is well worn territory for most Christians for good reason. The Psalm reminds us that even when we have to go through it, we are not alone. We have a shepherd.

Psalm 23 is wedged between Psalm 22, a psalm that points us to the cross of Jesus, and Psalm 24, a Psalm that points us to the ascension of Jesus. So where does Psalm 23 point us? To Jesus’ resurrection.

So, the question we will ask is this: When we have to go through it – whatever “it” is – how should Jesus’ resurrection shape our lives? And the first answer to that question is that Jesus’ resurrection changes you so that Jesus is all you want.

The Psalm begins,not with the Lord is a shepherd, or the shepherd, but with the Lord is “my” shepherd. David is declaring something wonderful about our Lord – He is OUR Shepherd. The one who leads, provides, protects, corrects, and guides us. The Lord is the one who restores our souls. Would you really want anyone else in your corner?  Who else could you possibly want other than the Almighty God of all creation to care for you as you face whatever each day brings?

Not only is David declaring something wonderful about our Lord, but he is also saying something important about who we are. If the Lord is my Shepherd, then what am I?  I am one of His sheep.  Shepherds lead; sheep follow. Where He goes, I go, what He commands, I do.

And as the sheep follow their shepherd what is the result?  “I lack nothing.” All that the sheep needs the Shepherd provides. Green pastures, done.  Still waters, check. The shepherd doesn’t lead the sheep astray but on right paths. As the sheep follow the Shepherd, they are content. Why?  Because all that you want is truly found in Him.

What David knew of the Lord as Shepherd was only a taste of what we now know this side of Jesus’ resurrection! In John 10:11 Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd.” Jesus is saying that the shepherd Isaiah spoke of and Ezekiel prophesied would come, and the shepherd David sang about (Isa.40; Ezek.34; Ps.23) all point to Christ, the Good Shepherd, indeed the Lord God.

And what does Jesus the good shepherd do?  He leads, he provides, he protects, he truly restores our souls, and leads us on the path of righteousness. How? The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep and does so willingly. John 10:18 – “I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leads his sheep to the ultimate soul restoring green pastures and still waters by dying on the cross for their sin and rising to new life conquering the grave. How? Because where the shepherd goes the sheep follow!  Through faith, we who were once dead in sin now have been made alive in Christ Jesus, and so have heard the Shepherd’s voice and followed.

And when you know Jesus is your good shepherd you can say along with David, “I lack nothing.” The resurrection power at work in you grows in you a deepening conviction that Jesus is all you want.

Is that your experience?  Are you growing in contentment? Are you able to truly say more and more “The Lord is my Shepherd I lack nothing”? Or are you discontent?  Are you a sheep who keeps wandering away looking for greener pasture?

Discontentment was seed sown by the devil in the garden. How much trouble would have been avoided if Adam and Eve had simply replied to the serpent, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.”

We live in a culture that is built on you and me being discontent. The entire advertising industry is bent on convincing you that you lack everything. Every advertisement preaches to you that you are missing out. If you don’t buy this car, then you’re missing out on this adventure. If you don’t use this deodorant or perfume, then you’re missing out on a romantic partner. If you don’t invest in this superfund, then you’re missing out carefree retirement.

We’re discontent when we check our social media accounts as we compare our apparently boring lives to all the incredible curated adventures our friends seem to be having.

We’re discontent about the state of our roads, but when we are stopped because of road works we’re discontent because it adds 5 precious minutes to our journey.

If everyone was simply content with what they have right now do you know what would happen to our economy? It would collapse.

Where are you discontented right now?  In what areas of your life do you need to meditate on this truth – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing”?

Contentment comes from knowing the Lord is your shepherd. This truth is wonderfully illustrated in Exodus 33 where God offers Moses the promised land without him.  The Lord effectively says to Moses, “You go but I’m not coming with you.”  And how did Moses respond? Exodus 33:15, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

In other words, without you Lord, we have nothing. But if you are with us, we have everything. God offers people eternal life without him – it’s called hell. And hell is eternal and utter discontent.

True contentment comes from transforming power of the gospel in your life. Your shepherd laid down his life for you. Your shepherd broke the power of the grave for you. Your shepherd did that because he loves you. The more that truth sinks into your soul the more Jesus is all you want.  Wake up each day and preach to your heart, “The Lord is my shepherd I lack nothing.”

How does Jesus’ resurrection change you so that Jesus is all you want?  Because it confronts you with the truth that in the end, Jesus is all you have.  We’ll come to that next time.

– Kristian Hartberg