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Yesterday we observed the absolute dependency of sheep on the Shepherd. The provisions of Psalm twenty-three hinge on the pronoun "my". When the Lord is "my" Shepherd, I have submissively positioned myself under His leadership and authority. As a sheep of Shepherd Jesus, I belong to Him, and I am entirely subject to his bidding. As an experienced shepherd, David drives home the idea that the Shepherd provides everything in the sheep's life. Without Shepherding, sheep would cease to exist.
"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)
W. Phillip Keller said, "No other class of livestock requires more careful handling and more detailed direction than sheep." If the water supply is scarce, sheep can become dehydrated and suffer bodily desiccation, causing severe harm or death. Shepherds must steer sheep away from contaminated waters full of nematodes and liver flukes; these cause destructive diseases. He must lead them to pure water, as sheep cannot detect polluted potholes of parasites. Additionally, sheep will not drink from rapids but require "still water"; only the Shepherd can guide them to these places. "He leads me beside [to] still waters" (v.2).
The Shepherd "leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Sheep do not want to be led; however, they cannot make the right choices themselves. They do two things well, assemble, and take the easiest path. Congregating for extended periods will rut the land and cause erosion and drainage issues. The Shepherd must move the sheep periodically to prevent negative impacts on the pastureland. Keller said, "There must be a predetermined plan of action, a deliberate, planned rotation from one grazing ground to another in line with right and proper principles of sound management." The Shepherd carefully chooses the pasture for his sheep, not only based on what is best for the sheep, but also on His "namesake", meaning that His righteousness, His glory, and His reputation are preeminent.
Does the Shepherd lead you, or do you drink from a pool that seems right to you? Shepherded sheep refuse the way that seems right to them but instead submit to the guidance of the Shepherd. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death" (Proverbs 14:12). If Jesus is your Shepherd, then He leads your every move. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). The Good Shepherd desires to lead you today. Pause and ask God to direct your path; allow the Holy Spirit to guide you for His Honor and glory.
(Some reflections are noted from W. Phillip Keller's book: A Shepherd's Look at Psalm 23.)
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