Shepherd-King
Opening Prayer
My Gentle Shepherd, thank You that You tenderly lead me and passionately protect me.
Read PSALM 23:1–6
[1]A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, [3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Which part of the sheep’s journey do you identify with today?David, who “shepherded” Israel (Psa. 78:72), now portrays God as a Shepherd-King. The extended shepherd metaphor (1–4) creates a picture of peace and plenty. There is rest, refreshment and renewal (2,3a) of body, mind and soul. References to “right paths” and “his name’s sake” (3b) remind us that God desires our holiness even more than our happiness. Walking the paths of righteousness invariably takes us through difficult valleys (4a). Yet, however dark the valley, we need not fear evil, for the Shepherd himself is our escort: “you are with me” (4). In troubled times, the Shepherd springs to our defense (the “rod”), but we may also experience his discipline (the “staff”—which grabs a straying sheep around the neck, snatching it back to safety). The well-prepared table, overflowing cup and anointing with oil denote joyful celebration (5). Eating together, which signified belonging and intimacy, was closely related to the concept of covenant. Despite adversity and “enemies” (4,5a), the Lord’s goodness and love will sustain us until we enjoy God’s presence forever (6).
Apply
Write a prayer-psalm of trust to God, using images drawn from your own life experience.
Closing prayer
My Shepherd, on every part of my journey, I trust You. You are always with me.
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