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As we examine Psalm 23, keep in mind that David is a sheep in the care of the Good Shepherd. He writes as a knowledgeable shepherd, fully aware that every provision in the life of a sheep is a gift from the shepherd. Sheep are dependent on the shepherd; without shepherding, sheep would cease to exist. When the Lord is "my" Shepherd, I have positioned myself under His leadership and authority. He carefully chooses the best path for His sheep, not merely based on what is best for the sheep, but for His "namesake", meaning, His righteousness, His glory, and His reputation are preeminent.
"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).
Why would the soul of a sheep in the Shepherd's care need restoring? I once thought that wolves or predators are the greatest threat to sheep, but this is not so; being cast is the most common death for sheep. Sheep become cast when they roll over, get stuck on their back, and cannot get up. Casting also includes when sheep stretch out to relax and shift their center of gravity enough that their feet can't touch the ground. Becoming cast is a pathetic sight and a frightening experience. With legs pointing up, kicking, and screaming, sheep flay about in fear, frantically struggling to stand up, but to no avail. Gasses then build up in the rumen and cut off blood supply to extremities. If cast sheep don't die of asphyxiation or heart attack, they are offered on a silver platter to any predatory animal who comes along.
The fattest and fluffiest sheep are most prone to becoming cast. Get this: the very thing that brings value to sheep makes them most vulnerable to becoming cast: their wool, and mutton! The Bible warns of dangers for those who place their significance and security in affluence and monetary gain. People become cast when they put their hope and trust in anything or anyone but the Shepherd. Only the gracious Shepherd can save the sheep and restore people's souls:
- The Shepherd listens and looks until He finds a sheep in need of restoration.
- He talks to the cast sheep, assuring it of His presence and tender care.
- The Shepherd rolls the sheep onto its side since sheep cast for a long time lose equilibrium and cannot stand independently.
- The Shepherd will lift the sheep into His arms and begin to massage its limbs until it regains strength.
Have you ever been on your back and in need of rescue? We all have! God will not put more on us than we can bear with His help (1 Corinthians 10:13). Next time you find yourself downcast, call out to the Shepherd and place your hope in Him. Recognize that He is your only salvation! Therefore, the Psalmist could question, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God" (Psalm 42:11). Hope in God produces rescue; He will restore your soul.
(Some reflections are noted from W. Phillip Keller's book: A Shepherd's Look at Psalm 23.)
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