We worship the Triune God whose word is true and promises are sure

Yahweh is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
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 name’s sake.
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;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will pursue me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of Yahweh forever.

Psalm 23

Introduction

A shepherd has many tasks, but one goal. That is to care for his sheep and protect them for their master. Even though the Lord truly is the master of all, this Psalm highlights His role as protector and guardian. The distinction between God’s roles in the Old Testament frequently hint to the fullness of revelation given in the New, wherein we are given explicit teaching about the Trinity.

We know, for instance, that Jesus is the good shepherd who prepares His people for service to the Father (John 10:11-18). And we know that the Holy Spirit guides our words (Luke 12:12) and teaches us the way to go (John 16:13). These distinctions were less obvious in the days of the Prophets, but that does not mean they were absent. Daniel’s vision in chapter 7 presents what is perhaps the most obvious example, as he witnesses the Son of Man coming up to the Ancient of Days, being given dominion, glory, and a kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14). There, we are given a clear image of the Father presenting a people to the Son to redeem and possess.

The Lord’s guidance

This vision was brought to fruition in the advent of the Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh. Here, He also fulfilled this Psalm by coming for all His lost sheep (Matthew 15:24). Consider all the ways He cares for us.

First, the Psalm tells us that He provides for us: we shall not want. He gives abundantly, not withholding anything good from His children. Next, He gives us peace. Though the world may be in turmoil around us, in Him we lay in green pastures and beside still waters. Because we know death cannot claim us, we are able to face everything with this calmness only He can provide.

Finally, He restores our souls and leads us into righteousness. The Spirit renews our hearts to love Him and serve Him. He refines us and brings us into conformity with the righteousness of the Son (Romans 8: 29). And He does all of this for His name’s sake. That is, our salvation from justification to glorification is done to His glory and to the praise of His wonderful name (Ezekiel 36:22).

The shadow of death

Throughout the book of Job, he laments the heavy presence of the shadow of death over him. Even so, ever present with him was the Lord. For most of his time, he was not aware of God being with him, and yet as his discussion with his friends culminated, God made Himself known. And in that knowing, He also restored Job’s wealth and position. That which he had lost was given in abundance.

But another place the shadow of death is known is in Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Messiah. He tells of a “people who walk in darkness.” These, the prophet says, “will see a great light; those who live in the land of the shadow of death, the light will shine on them.” Death looms over all mankind. The fall caused death to enter the world through sin (Romans 5:12), and since that day death has swallowed all who live except a select few (Ecclesiastes 6:6).

But the promise God gave through Isaiah was fulfilled in Christ. You, who once walked in darkness, and lived in the shadow of death, have seen a great light. You have seen the great light of the savior of mankind in Christ Jesus, our Lord. And even though you walk through that valley, you are not its citizen anymore. You are a citizen of the Kingdom the Ancient of Days gave to the Son of Man. You are the good possession of the Son, and He will care for you and bring you to dwell in the house of God, where He has prepared many rooms (John 14:2-3), forever.

May the Lord bless you and conform you into the image of His Son.