Psalm 23
LORD as shepherd leads and guides us verse 1- 3
LORD is my shepherd
I shall not want
HE makes me lie down in green pastures
HE leads me beside still waters
HE restores my soul
HE leads me in the paths of righteousness
for HIS name’s sake
LORD as shepherd protects us verse 4- 5
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil – FOR YOU art with me
YOUR rod and YOUR staff they comfort me
YOU prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
YOU anoint my head with oil – my cup runs over
LORD as shepherd promises eternal dwelling verse 6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2637 “want” [chacer] means to lack, be without, have a need, or to diminish)
DEVOTION: What is the definition of “enough?” According to one source “a little bit more.” Satisfaction is hard to find these days. Everyone seems to have to have the latest gadget. This is especially true in the area of technology. We seem to think that we can’t live without the latest Ipad or Iphone, Droid or Xbox 360 or the latest computer. We want it all. Some even think they deserve it all. We live in an entitlement generation. Everyone seems to want instant gratification.
This psalm of David describes a time period when humans were human as well. They wanted things. Not the same things as we want today but they still wanted things.
David is describing the source of all his things. He was concerned about having peace in his life. He was concerned about having a proper relationship with his God. He realized that there is only one source from which to receive the ultimate needs in a life. That source was the LORD. This is the best-known psalm. David trusted in the LORD. He knew that HE could provide every need that he had.
We need to trust in the LORD for our every need. This trust begins with a personal commitment to the LORD. We have to ask for forgiveness of our sins. We have to repent of our sins and turn to HIM. Once we do this the LORD becomes our Shepherd.
The New Testament brings out the fact that HE is the good shepherd. The rest of this psalm tells us that HE cares for us at all times and in all ways. The LORD has promised to provide our needs.
The word “want” sometimes makes us think that the LORD should provide everything we think we need. That is a wrong belief. In a previous psalm we read that the LORD will give us our “heart’s desire.”
These both mean that if we are thinking God’s way, we will only want or desire the things that are good for us. The things that are good for us, the LORD will provide.
It is great to have a Savior that knows our every need and CAN provide for it. Do we think that we are lacking anything good in our life? Is it really true? Or are we not appreciating all the blessings we already have? Please say “thank you” to the LORD today for the blessing we have received. Remember this psalm tells us that those who honor the LORD will dwell in HIS house forever.
Contentment is one main characteristic of a Christian. Being content with what we have right now is good. Accepting what the LORD sends our way is good. Allowing the LORD to lead us in a direction that might not make us a millionaire is submission.
CHALLENGE: We need to desire what the LORD wants for us while we are here on this earth.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 2 HE makes me to lie down in green pastures: HE leads me beside the still waters. (5095 “leads” [nahal] means to escort, to transport, to take or guide somewhere, to provide for, help along, supply, sustain, or guide to a watering place or station)
DEVOTION: David understood that everything good that happened in his life was through the leading of the LORD.
The LORD wants to be our guide through life if we will allow HIM to take the lead. Too often we take the reins of our life back in our own hands and HE has to redirect our paths. HE never leads us to sin. We do that on our own. David had times when he was not following the leading of the LORD but his own leading and it usually meant that he was going to sin at that point.
We can never blame God for the sins we commit in our lives because HE is the one who is leading. HE allows us some control over our own lives, in order to, show us that without HIM we will usually go to a place of sin rather than to righteousness.
HE gives us the Holy Spirit today to help us go in the right direction. HE gives us the Bible to help us understand HIS ways. HE gives us fellow believers to help us walk the right way.
Too often we go in the wrong direction because we want to and it leads us into sin like it did David. We need to remember that we can’t blame God for our sins. We do those ourselves.
When we follow the LORD HE always leads us to doing what is right in HIS eyes.
CHALLENGE: Do we blame God for leading us into sin at times in our lives. If so, we are lying to ourselves.
______________________________________________________________
:3 “He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”(Paths, 4570 מַעְגָּל, [maʿgal], 1 entrenchment, track. 1a circumvallation, entrenchment. 1b track [Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software]).
DEVOTION: The paths of righteousness mentioned in this beloved shepherd’s psalm are the pathways that God has prepared for us to walk in. Righteousness is what characterizes God in the Old Testament, and what separates Him from man after the fall. Yet it is possible to walk in the paths of righteousness based on the leading of the shepherd. No sheep could have found the right path alone.
The paths of righteousness are designed to lead us to the Celestial City. While there are many diversions along the way, only one true path leads to the destination desired by Pilgrim. While it is possible to get off the path of righteousness, it is also possible to get back onto it, and continue down it. As we get closer to the Lord, we want to continue to follow in His footsteps as He leads us. Furthermore, He as the shepherd is constantly searching for those who have wandered off His path of righteousness to bring them back to repentance.
The sheep does not need to know where it is going—it only needs to follow the shepherd and not get off the path. But if a sheep gets a sense of independence, he will no longer follow the shepherd. That becomes dangerous for the sheep. We similarly need to admit that we do not know where the path is taking us, but the shepherd will lead us to the ultimate destination that we seek.
CHALLENGE: In what area(s) is the Good Shepherd showing you that you have gotten off the path of righteousness? Are you willing to follow Him no matter what the cost, including not getting to choose which way your life will go? Trust Him as the faithful shepherd of your soul who will lead you in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (Dr. Marc Wooten – board member)
______________________________________________________-
: 3 “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” The New King James Version),
Paths 4570 מַעְגָּל, מַעְגָּל [maʿgal, maʿgalah /mah·gawl/] n m. From the same as 5696; TWOT 1560f; GK 5046 and 5047; 16 occurrences; AV translates as “path” nine times, “trench” three times, “goings” twice, “ways” once, and “wayside + 3027” once. 1 entrenchment, track. 1A circumvallation, entrenchment. 1B track. James Strong, Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2001).
DEVOTION: When I was a child in New York I would often be sent out into the pastures of my uncle’s farm to gather the cows for milking. Often times it meant wandering along paths that wound through the hills and alongside creeks until the cows were spotted. It during these times that I would become aware of the darkness of the woods and the silence of the country far away from roads and traffic. Sometimes I would sit under a tree and watch clouds float by and at time I would watch deer drift into the woods to escape notice.
The psalmist was involved in all that as well as he shepherded the sheep from field to field. Now as he reminisced of those days he recounted the closeness of the Lord and the reality of His presence in the silence of the paths he walked. You may be able to get away for a few minutes from the noise and hectic schedule you are in and walk in a park or go along a trail to have your soul restored and renewed.
CHALLENGE: Take the time to be silent and see the wonders of God’s work today!
(Dr. Brian Miller – board member)
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 4 Yea, 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. (5162 “comfort” [nacham] means to alleviate sorrow and distress, give emotional strength to, ease oneself, console oneself, ease oneself, or express sympathy.)
DEVOTION: When David went through hard times he eased himself in the fact that the LORD was helping him through every trial HE allowed in his life He counted on the LORD to be with him every step of the way where he was following the LORD’S leading. He knew that the LORD would never lead him into a path the HE would not stay with him. He trusted the LORD.
The LORD does lead us into places that we would rather not go at times to cause us to grow in our relationship with HIM. HE wants us to mature in our faith and that will only happen as we face trial that HE will give us the power to overcome IF we let HIM.
There are times in our lives when we are not following the LORD’S leading and at those times, we find ourselves in a place where we have to confess our sin and ask for forgiveness, in order to, continue to receive the LORD’S leading.
What spot are we in today? Are we following the LORD’S leading or walking our own way and think that we don’t need the LORD to guide us? The Bible tells us that we need the LORD’S leading every moment of every day.
CHALLENGE: Did the LORD lead you through your day yesterday? Are you willing to follow HIS leading? Our lives are always better when we follow the LORD’S leading.
_________________________________________________________
: 5 YOU prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: YOU anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. (6186 “prepare” [‘arak] means to lay out, set in rows, to put into a proper or systematic order, or arrange in order)
DEVOTION: David knew that the LORD was the one who was able to help him face each day with each of the problems of the day. He knew that there were enemies all around him that wanted him to walk the wrong path. He knew that HE could depend on the LORD alone to lead him in the right direction. All he had to do was follow the LORD’S leading and everything would be good.
The Bible tells those who are believers that they have enemies. The enemies are those who don’t love the LORD. They want every believer to fail in their life in regard to honoring the LORD.
God wants to bless us if we will only follow HIS leading. HIS directions are always right. HE will give us instruction through the reading of the Bible. HE will give us instruction through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. HE will give us instruction through fellow believers who are living a life that is pleasing to HIM.
We can’t blame the LORD if we are not listening to HIM. Our listening ability is directed by our times of closeness to the LORD. That comes through our daily fellowship with HIM in prayer and the study of HIS love letter to us, the Bible.
We are supposed to learn from the sins of David and other individuals who were supposed to be following the LORD and yet found ways to drift from the path HE wanted them and us to follow.
We have enemies but HE is stronger than any enemy we have to face. We need to trust HIM and follow HIS lead to be the type of believer HE wants us to be.
CHALLENGE: Do we genuinely believe that God can lead us everyday of our lives in a path that is pleasing to HIM?
_______________________________________________________________
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
______________________________________________________________
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal) verse 1, 6
Shepherd verse 1
HE leads verse 3
HIS name sake verse 3
YOUR rod and staff verse 4
Prepares a table verse 5
House of the LORD verse 6
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
Shepherd verse 1
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Enemies verse 5
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Evil verse 4
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Not want verse 1
Green pastures verse 2
Still waters verse 2
Restores verse 3
Paths of righteousness verse 3
Fear no evil verse 4
Presence of the LORD verse 4
Comfort verse 4
Anointing verse 5
Goodness verse 6
Mercy verse 6
Inheritance verse 6
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
David verse 1- 6
LORD is my shepherd
I shall not want
Lie down in green pastures
Leads me beside still waters
Restores my soul
Leads in the paths of righteousness
I will fear no evil
Presence of the LORD
Comfort of the LORD
Anoints head with oil
Goodness and mercy
Dwell in the house of the LORD
forever
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
Valley of the shadow of death verse 4
Dwell in the house of the LORD forever verse 6
_________________________________________________________
DONATIONS:
Remember that all donations to Small Church Ministries are greatly appreciated. The treasurer will send a receipt, at the end of the year unless otherwise requested. Please be sure to make check out to “Small Church Ministries.” The address for the treasurer is P.O. Box 604, East Amherst, New York 14051. A second way to give to the ministry is through PayPal on the website: www.smallchurchministries.org. Also, if you can support this ministry through your local church, please use that method. Thank you.
_____________________________________________________________
QUOTES regarding passage
6. But the prospect is better than a feast. In the Old Testament world, to eat and drink at someone’s table created a bond of mutual loyalty, and could be the culminating token of a covenant. It was so in Exodus 24:8–12, when the elders of Israel ‘beheld God‚ and ate and drank’; it was so again at the Last Supper‚ when Jesus announced ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood’ (1 Cor. 11:25).
So to be God’s guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. It is to live with him. There is a suggestion of pilgrimage in the picture of a progress that ends at the house of the Lord; but it is also a journey home, for it was not only the Levites who considered the courts of the Lord their true home (as in Pss 42 and 84) but also, in heart and mind, David the man of affairs: cf. 27:4; 65:4.
Mercy is the covenant-word rendered ‘steadfast love’ elsewhere (see on 17:7). Together with goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in the family or between firm friends. With God these qualities are not merely solid and dependable, but vigorous—for to follow does not mean here to bring up the rear but to pursue, as surely as his judgments pursue the wicked (83:15).
For ever is lit. (in this verse) ‘to length of days’, which is not in itself an expression for eternity. But since the logic of God’s covenant allows no ending to his commitment to a man, as our Lord pointed out (Matt. 22:32), the Christian understanding of these words does no violence to them. ‘Neither death‚ nor life‚ … will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Kidner, D. (1973). Psalms 1–72: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 15, p. 130). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)
____________________________________________________________
23:6. David realized that the Lord’s good loyal love (ḥeseḏ) would go with him everywhere through all his life. God’s blessings on His people remain with them no matter what their circumstance may be. (Cf. God’s goodness in 27:13; 31:19; 69:16; 86:17; 109:21; 116:12; 142:7; 145:7.) So, he concluded I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The house of the Lord referred to the sanctuary (tabernacle). For the rest of his life (lit., “length of days”) he would enjoy full communion with the Lord. In fact the Hebrew verb translated “I will dwell” conveys the idea of returning; the same verb is translated “He restores” in 23:3. Perhaps the psalmist was in some way separated from the sanctuary and full enjoyment of its spiritual benefits. His meditation on the Lord’s leading and provisions prompted him to recall his communion with the Lord in His presence, in the sanctuary. (Ross, A. P. (1985). Psalms. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 812). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
____________________________________________________________
In the Father’s House—Eternity (v. 6)
As the shepherd lay each night at the door of the sheepfold, he looked back over the day and gave thanks that the Lord had blessed them with goodness and mercy. As an old man, David looked back over his long life and came to the same conclusion. In spite of his sins and failures, he had been followed by goodness and mercy, which is the Old Testament equivalent of Romans 8:28. “Surely” means “only.” As David looked ahead, he knew he would be in heaven—the Father’s house—forever. This isn’t a reference to the temple, because the king didn’t live in the temple. Furthermore, nobody could live there or anywhere else forever. Jesus used this vocabulary to speak about heaven (John 14:1–6). The things that perplex and disturb us today will all be clear when we get to heaven. We will look back and see “only goodness and mercy.” Under the old covenant, the sheep died for the shepherd, but under the new covenant, the Shepherd died for the sheep—and we shall meet our Shepherd in heaven! “For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 7:17). (Wiersbe, W. W. (2004). Be worshipful (1st ed., pp. 97–98). Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications Ministries.)
________________________________________________________
23:6 And I will dwell. There is some question concerning the form in the Heb. text (cf. also Ps 27:4). Should it be rendered “I shall return” or “I shall dwell”? Whichever way it is taken, by the grace of his Lord, David is expecting ongoing opportunities of intimate fellowship. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Ps 23:6). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
________________________________________________________
Ver. 6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, &c.] Either the free grace, love, favour, and mercy of God in Christ, which endures continually, and is always the same from everlasting to everlasting; or the effects of it; and these either temporal good things, which flow from the goodness and mercy of God, and not the merits of men; and which are in great mercy and loving-kindness bestowed on his people, and which follow them: they do not anxiously seek after them; but seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness, these are added to them, they trusting in the Lord, and he caring for them: or spiritual good things, which arise from the mere grace and mercy of God; such as the blessings of the covenant, the sure mercies of David, the discoveries and instances of the love of God, and the provisions of his house, which follow them, being undeserving of them; and even when they have backslidden from the Lord, and in times of distress, when his grace is sufficient for them; and of all this the psalmist had a comfortable assurance, depending upon the promise of God, arguing from the blessings he had already bestowed, and from the constant care he takes of his people, having in view his unchangeableness and faithfulness, the firmness of his covenant, and the irreversibleness of the blessings of it: the words may be rendered only goodness and mercy, &c. nothing but mere mercy and kindness; for though afflictions do attend the children of God, yet these are in mercy and love; there is no fury in the Lord against them; there is nothing comes in wrath to them, throughout the whole course of their lives; wherefore it is added, all the days of my life; the mercies of God are new every morning, they continue all the day long; temporal goodness abides as long as life lasts, and ends with it; and spiritual blessings are for ever, they are the gifts of God, which are without repentance. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever; which may denote his constant attendance on the public worship of God, of which he had been deprived in time past, being driven out from it, but now he enjoyed it, and believed he ever should; or it may design his being a member of the church of God, and a pillar in the house and temple of the Lord, that should never go out; see Rev. 3:12. or it may regard the assurance he had of dwelling in the house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens, Christ’s father’s house, in which are many mansions, sure dwellings, and quiet resting-places for his people, and that to all eternity. The Targum interprets it of the house of the sanctuary; and Kimchi expounds the whole verse in a petitionary way, may goodness and mercy, &c. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 3, pp. 628–629). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
________________________________________________________
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
________________________________________________________
HUMOR FOR THE DAY…
The old lady handed her bank card to a bank teller and said, “I would like to withdraw $10 The teller told her, “For withdrawals less than $100 please use the ATM.”
The old lady wanted to know why … The teller returned her bank card and irritably told her, “These are the rules. Please leave if there is no other matter. There is a line of customers behind you.”
The old lady remained silent for a few seconds, then handed the card back to the teller and said, “Please help me withdraw all the money I have.” The teller was astonished when she checked the account balance. She nodded her head, leaned down and respectfully told her, you have $300,000 in your account and the bank doesn’t have that much cash currently. Could you make an appointment and come again tomorrow?
The old lady then asked how much she could withdraw immediately. The teller told her any amount up to $3000
“Well, please let me have $3000 now”, she The teller then handed it very friendly and respectfully to her.
The old lady put $10 in her purse and asked the teller to deposit $2990 back into her account.
The moral of this tale …….
Don’t be difficult with old people, they spent a lifetime learning the skills.
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
________________________________________________________
H.A. Ironside, The Continual Burnt Offering,
Since the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want:
Rest – “He makes me to lie down”
Refreshment – “He leads me beside the still waters”
Restoration – “He restores my soul”
Guidance – “He leads me in the paths of righteousness”
Confidence – “I will fear no evil.”
Companionship – “Thou art with me”
Comfort – “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”
Provision – “Thou prepare a table”
Unction – “Thou anoint my head”
Satisfaction – “My cup runs over”
Protection – “Goodness and mercy shall follow me”
A Home at last – “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”
__________________________________________________________
THE URGENT NEED FOR REVIVAL TODAY
And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. Mark 9:28-29
The church is so constituted that every member matters, and matters in a very vital sense. So I call attention to this whole subject [of revival] partly because I sense there is a curious tendency today for members of the Christian Church to feel and to think that they themselves can do very little, and so they tend to look to others to do all that is needed for them. This, of course, is something that is characteristic of the whole of life today. For instance, men and women no longer take exercise in sport as they used to. Instead, people tend to sit in crowds and just watch other people play. There was a time when people provided their own pleasure, but now the radio and television provide their entertainment and pleasure for them. And I fear that the tendency is even manifesting itself in the Christian church. More and more we see evidence that people are just sitting back in crowds while one or two people are expected to do everything.
Now that, of course, is a complete denial of the New Testament doctrine of the Church as the Body of Christ, where every single member has responsibility and has a function and matters, and matters in a most vital sense. You can read the apostle’s great expositions of that doctrine, for example in 1 Corinthians 12, where you find that he says that our less comely parts are as important as the more comely parts, that every part of the body is to function and is to be ready for the Master’s use, and always to be usable.
Unless we as individual Christians are feeling a grave concern about the state of the church and the world today, we are very poor Christians indeed.
A Thought to Ponder: The church is so constituted that every member matters, and matters in a very vital sense. (From Revival, p. 8, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
__________________________________________________________
Places to Walk
“Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.” (Zechariah 3:7)
In one vision given to Zechariah, Joshua the high priest is shown standing before the awesome throne in heaven. He is pictured as being clothed in filthy garments next to the angel who brought him. Satan was there with all his power, trying to resist everything Joshua was doing. Of course, the Lord was there too and rebuked Satan, calling Joshua “a brand plucked out of the fire” (Zechariah 3:2).
What follows in the vision is a beautiful picture of what God does for us when we are twice-born. The Lord commands the angels to “take away the filthy garments” because, He says, “I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” The attendants quickly “set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments” (Zechariah 3:4-5).
When we are created by God as a “new man” while down here on Earth, the spirit is changed, along with a new heart and a new mind, but one day we will be clothed in fine linen that represents the righteousness of the saints (Revelation 19:8)—all given to us when we were made righteous by the marvelous grace of our Lord Jesus.
What Zechariah is shown about the Joshua of old is the vast promises of a close working relationship with the Creator Himself—judging His house, having charge of His courts, and being given “places to walk” among the great personages of the courts of heaven. This is a picture of what it means to be a twice-born child of God. At the most basic of biblical foundations, a Christian has been identified by the Creator as one He desires to spend eternity with! (HMM III, The Institute for Creation Research)
_________________________________________________________
Vince Lombardi says: “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.
_______________________________________________________
We now have a Facebook page for Small Church Ministries – please invite others to join us on Facebook. Thank you. Look for the logo from the devotionals.