Today’s Reading:
Psalm 23 (4)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2) He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3) He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 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. 5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
(Amen, Psalm 23 [v. 4] NKJV)
Today, when we talk about a shepherd and sheep, what readily comes to mind for better understanding, is the relationship between the Fulani herdsmen and their herds. But the Lord’s relationship with His children (his pastures) is much better and passionate than this. He cares, more concerned about us that He does not want us to go through stress, and the valley of the shadow of death unless we stray away from His fold. Apart from their demonic, wicked, and political intentions, we see how dear the herds are to the herdsmen. In Nigeria today, we are witnessing how a herdsman is ready to kill any humanbeing for his herds. A shepherd’s major concern is to do everything in his power to ensure the well-being of his flock. But the Lord, our Good Shepherd is able to do all things in our lives. Reflecting on the many blessing from God, David, enjoins us to completely trust in God’s faithfulness for our well-being and needs – mental, spiritual, and physical now, the future and by the power of the Holy Spirit, strengthen our relationship with Him (Phil. 4:19). It is a psalm of trust and confidence in the goodness and loving-kindness of God for now and the future. When we are afraid or overwhelmed by the challenges of life, the psalm gives hope, deep strength, peace, assurance of providence and protection, and renewed strength to face challenges, oppression and immense persecution. ( Ps 23: 1-3).
As a shepherd from his youth, while ruminating on the blessings and goodness of Yahweh in his life, David compared his role as king over the people of God to his role as a shepherd. It is a common phenomenon for kings in the ancient Near East to refer to themselves as the shepherd of the people they govern. Isaiah also referred to the Messiah as a shepherd (Isa. 40:11). Jesus too claimed this title for Himself (John 10:14; Heb. 13:20; 1Pte. 5:4). As the believer’s Shepherd, we enjoy four major benefits from the Lord:
The Lord gives us spiritual rest and nourishment (v. 2a). By the power of the Holy Spirit, He feeds our soul with the Word of God (v. 2a; Heb. 5:12-14; 1Pet. 2:2).
He grants us spiritual refreshment and restoration in difficult experiences of life (v.3), as we take advantage of the water of life He provides – the living and written Word. An example is a Samaritan woman (John 4:10-14; Eph. 5:26). God daily renews our strength like the eagles’; by the precious blood of Jesus and the fire of the Holy Spirit, He cleanses, purifies, and sanctifies us for His service (vv.2b -3a).
His ‘rod and staff’ lovingly guide, protect, and discipline His sheep. The Lord’s loving-kindness and mercy describes the love He has towards us. He guides us through His path of life so that we would not enter into the trap of the enemy or wander aimlessly in the wilderness of earth. He does this in keeping with his word, for his namesake, and because of his promise to those who believe in His Son.
David enjoyed the protection of the Lord and is gives praise and gratitude for this. As David experienced, believers too are promised the presence and protection of God in good times, in times of danger, in times of oppression and acute persecution as our nation is experiencing right now when we are overwhelmed, and call on Him, He will rescue us, and His anointing will sustain us (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5)
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your love, care and concern for our lives and well-being, in Jesus name.
Create in me a pure heart and renew a right spirit in me to always be willing to obey your command and surrender all to the leading of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name.
Father, manifest your presence in the midst of our children and youth at this season, in Jesus name.
Father, I am available, empower and anoint me as Your battle axe and weapons to break and destroy evil kingdoms, in Jesus name.
Father, uphold, encourage, and embolden Your Church at this time of persecution, open doors of strong and fruitful evangelism in Jesus name.
Our Father, arise and ordain terrifying noise in the camp of the enemies of this nation/land, in Jesus name.
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