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Yesterday we observed that the fattest and fluffiest sheep need restoring, as they are more vulnerable to becoming downcast! Only the Shepherd can save and restore people's souls. Sheep depend on the provision of the Shepherd and would not survive without Him. As an expert shepherd, David pens Psalm 23, knowing that the Shepherd supplies every requirement for His sheep.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23).
Today we note the comfort and care the Shepherd has for His sheep. "He makes me lie down in green pastures" is not imagery of a Shepherd forcing His sheep onto their backs to rest (v.2). Neither is this a scheduled nap time. Experts claim that sheep will not lie down and rest if they are afraid, hungry, or thirsty. Considering this fact, we can ascertain the Shepherd's provisional care conducted behind the scenes. Peaceful rest is made available because of His attention to the sheep's physical and spiritual needs. He is the great Comforter.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." (v.4). Death is commonly defined as the ending or ceasing of life, and I believe death is referred to as a "shadow" because life never actually ceases or ends. A shadow is not real and cannot hurt sheep unless they fear it. For the Christian, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord," but for the unbeliever, it is an eternity in hell (2 Corinthians 5:8; Matthew 25:46). Although our earth-suits die and decay, the soul does not die but instead passes into heaven or hell. We "walk through the valley," refusing to set up camp in a place that is not our home.
Since the Shepherd is always present, we should "fear no evil" (v.4). Most scholars believe the "staff" represents the Shepherd's guidance, support, kindness, and affection (v.4). The staff is used to gently-nudge sheep along the path; it may also hook and lift sheep from a thicket or danger. The "rod" represents the Word of God and is the ultimate source of protection, wisdom, admonishment, and discipline. The Shepherd uses the rod to defend his flock. Shepherds also use the rod to break or bruise the leg of a wayward sheep. After bandaging the wound, He carries and cuddles the sheep until it heals. As a result, disciplined sheep often become the most intimate with the Shepherd. "Whom the Lord loves, He disciplines" in hopes of repentance and reconciliation (Hebrews 12:6).
I read about a wolf attack that killed half of a shepherd's sheep. The remaining sheep were traumatized and refused to eat, drink, or lie down. So, the Shepherd took his sleeping bag and laid down with the sheep; later, they filled their bellies and fell fast asleep. Knowing the Shepherd is with us gives peace and comfort. We do not fear when we are fully focused on the Good Shepherd's presence, protection, and provision (John 16:13).
(Some reflections are noted from W. Phillip Keller's book: A Shepherd's Look at Psalm 23.)
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