23rd Psalm - Part 3 of 3

The 23^rd Psalm was written by David, Son of Jesse, who spent much of his early life tending his father's sheep. When David wrote this Psalm, he was writing from the perspective of a sheep and the flock's relationship with the shepherd. The idea of the sheep and the shepherd is actually taught in the Word of God to describe the relationship between believers and our Heavenly Father: Heavenly because he's from above and not beneath; Heavenly because he's from the higher realm of spiritual elevation; Heavenly because he's spirit. This is Part 3 of 3.

“Yea tho I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” (v 4)

There are going to be valleys in our lives - many for some and few for others. Some will be deep and for others not so deep. Nevertheless we must know in times of difficulty and danger that God is with us in every situation of life. When he spoke to the 7 churches (Revelation 21:7) in every stage they went through, he said “He that overcometh shall inherit all things”. N ot only is he with us but he is in us: “for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” (John 14:17)

“Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (v 4)

When the shepherd is out in the field with his flock, he carries very little with him. In the Middle East, they carried only a rod and staff. The rod is a short club. The shepherd learns from childhood how to throw it with amazing speed and accuracy. It becomes his main weapon of defense for himself and the sheep. He uses it to drive off predators like wolves, coyotes, cougars, or stray dogs - even to beat off snakes. The rod also symbolizes God's strength, power, and authority. If a sheep wanders too far or gets too close to danger, the rod is thrown to send it back to the flock.

The staff on the other hand is a long slender stick with a hook on one end and is used to draw the sheep close to the Shepherd, guiding it in the right way or through a gate. He does not beat the sheep; he just nudges it along. The staff may be used to get the sheep out of trouble to pull it from the water or free it from thorns. Some of us are very familiar with the staff.

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” (v 5)

In the spring, after the snow melts, the shepherd will take the sheep to the mountain to finer pastures. But before he does, he will first go into the rough, wild country to check it out. He will take a supply of salt and minerals to distribute over the range. He will decide where the camps will be located and make sure there is enough vegetation. He'll check for poisonous weeds and snakes.

Hasn't the Good Shep0herd already gone before us making the crooked way straight – Heb. 4:15? He has known our sorrows and endured our struggles in order to help us through it.

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” (v 5)

Sheep have problems with insects such as mosquitoes, gnats, nasal flies, warble flies, deer flies, and black flies. These flies buzz around the sheep's head trying to deposit eggs on the damp nose of the sheep. And if they succeed, the eggs will hatch to form small worm-like larvae that will crawl up the sheep's nose, causing a great deal of aggravation and driving them to distraction. They will have fits of vertigo known as blind staggers.

What irritates you? Is it a co-worker; someone on your team; a job that annoys you? Whatever it is, the oil will deliver you.

With the sheep, the Shepherd applies an antidote of linseed oil to the head and nose the 1^st sign of irritation. Once it is applied, there is an immediate change in behavior. Gone is the aggravation; gone is the frenzy, the irritability and restlessness. The sheep starts to feed quietly again and soon lies down to rest and peaceful contentment. The oil which is a mixture of olive oil, sulfur, and spices is also used to cure “scab”, which is a highly contagious disease among sheep.

When the Good Shepherd anoints our head with oil, we too are comforted because the oil which is the anointing protects us from small yet daily aggravations that may try to diminish our lives. Oil is the source of light – it is the life of God. The Holy Ghost is the WorkMaster and all the light and life which is from God and is transposed to the whole church of Christ. It has the power and capacity to make one glad. (Psalm 45:7) Surely our cup runneth over. Cup signifies abundance.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow thee all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (v 6)

A sheep with a Good Shepherd knows he's in a privileged position. Are we not in a privileged position - knowing with God's faithfulness, love, and kindness being bestowed upon us that we can't do anything but prosper? We trust in the living God, and we know the Psalms, but because we know the Shepherd, we will always prosper!

~ Evangelist Mary Perry