Now and always
It was because the shepherds psalm is one of the best known passages of literature in the world that I chose to preach a series on it early in my ministry. It took eight weeks to go through. Here I want to just suggest a few things for us to go away and reflect upon.
Firstly, a couple of thoughts about sheep and shepherds: sheep are fragile, not very bright and find it almost impossible to look after themselves, They are also easily frightened and confused. However, sheep are also very valuable. Secondly, while the role of the shepherd was regarded as a lowly one, the sheep are absolutely reliant upon the shepherds care. It is the shepherd who brings protection, care and well-being to the sheep. A good shepherd knows the sheep well and is committed to them both individually and collectively as a flock. He understands, nourishes and loves the sheep.
Rather than say something about each verse I want to highlight only two things: intimacy and confidence.
The Psalm begins with “The Lord” Yahweh, God’s great covenant name. The name highlights Gods transcendence, His otherness. He is holy, majestic unlimited in power and glory. This Yahweh, this almighty God is the shepherd. However, the most amazing thing is that God is not “the shepherd” or “a shepherd” the Lord is “my shepherd”. This is not some distant deity but one who is personally committed to me. There is intimacy and possession here. God has allowed me to know Him and He is mine.
Stop and think about that for a minute the Lord of all shepherds you.
Another huge encouragement is the future tense statements in the Psalm. These are statements of faith based upon the character of the Shepherd:
“I shall not want”
“I will fear no evil”
“I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever”
The good shepherd is the one who provides for all our needs, physically and spiritually. It is because God is my shepherd that I can have confidence not just for today but also for all the days to come. He provides, protects and prepares for his sheep. There is no circumstance which is beyond the care and control of the shepherd who has committed himself to us.
Perhaps you are going through a time of difficulty or you are having to deal with massive fear that seem like a giant seeking to devour you, then know that God your shepherd is with you and with Him you can overcome.
God is my shepherd, God knows me and I can know Him and because of that relationship I can have confidence no matter what I am called to face, now and in the future.
Our very own Rev Fred Drummond is the National Director of the Evangelical Alliance in Scotland. Before he joined the Alliance he was a Church of Scotland Minister at Riverside Church in Perth.
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