Finding wisdom in a young heart is a cherished thing. Often we anticipate , even expect, wise thoughts to come from our elders (elderly), but when a young person shares some solid, Biblical insights I personally find it refreshing. Such an opportunity came to me several weeks ago. Read the words and thoughts of a young lady who worships at Southwest church of Christ in Austin, Texas.
The Psalm, “The Lord’s my Shepherd” by Jessie Seymour Irvine (#292 in Hymns for Worship) is based off of the verse found in John 10:14-15, “I am the good shepherd, I lay down my life for the sheep.”, but it quotes the entirety of the 23rd Psalm.
This psalm is often titled “the Crook.” The psalm is a section dedicated to Christ Jesus’ identity, specifically, a psalm contributing to Jesus’ identity as a shepherd. But it also identifies us as the sheep. Let us consider three key points that are taught in this psalm. Perhaps we’ll be able to draw a deeper, fuller understanding of this psalm (song) when we sing it in praise to our God.
First, let us notice that through His death he leads us. In Genesis 3:15 we see the first prophecy of the coming Messiah; His death and His conquering of the world of sin. Jesus came into the world with many purposes: teaching a new law, bringing equality between the nations, and giving us an example. But his overlying purpose in coming to earth was to die. He came to bring salvation through His death and set Himself up as the head of the church, and as the head of His church, to lead us. He was the perfect, spotless and innocent lamb that went to the slaughter on account of the sins of the world.
Secondly, we know that He is our shepherd because he bought us. A shepherd doesn’t just watch sheep for free. He is either paid to watch other people’s sheep as in a job, or he buys his own sheep and watches them himself. Jesus has bought us with His blood so He is the shepherd. As the shepherd He is our guide, the supplier of our needs, our protector from troubles and one of the most constant figures in our lives.
And finally, we are the sheep who need a shepherd. As sheep our lives are dependent on the shepherd. As noted previously, he provides for all our needs. And yet, it is our choice as to whether or not we will have him as a constant figure in our lives. We can be the sheep that stays with the flock, the one that enjoys the comfort of lord through all the struggles. Staying with the Shepherd, we’re restored when we are sick. When we slip on the road, our Lord brings us back to righteousness of God. Or we can be the sheep that wanders off by himself. The sheep that may be happy for a time, but eventually realizes that being alone in life is filled with dangers and trials. Leaving the fold, we face those trials without our shepherd’s guidance.
We have, in essence, two choices…1) we can be a active, though submissive, participant of the system that has been set up by our Lord, reap the benefits of that system and ultimately receive the reward. Or…2) we can choose not to live within the boundaries of the system He offers and chance life on our own, knowing as we do that we’ll take the punches of the world as they come. Ultimately it’s our choice.
This song lets us see the results and benefits of the first option, and tells us that even if we have chosen option two, we can still come back to the fold. Jesus came and died on the cross for you and me. He bought us with his blood and now serves as the rightful leader of the flock of His sheep. Praise be to God that he has redeemed His church.
Shelby Gray
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.
My soul He doth restore again,
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
E’en for His own name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill:
For Thou art with me, and Thy rod
And staff me comfort still.
My table Thou hast furnished In presence of my foes;
My head Thou dost with oil anoint And my cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy all my life Shall surely follow me;
And in God’s house for evermore My dwelling-place shall be.