Continuing our look at the 23rd Psalm, we come to verses 2 and 3. In these verses there are four parts, each beginning with the word ‘He’. I want to look at three of these.
He makes me lie down in green pastures
Is there anything better than nice, lush, green grass in a field? Especially if we don’t have to mow it! Think of some of the lush, green landscapes that one finds in the United Kingdom and you get an idea of what this looks like. Of course, if we find beauty in such a scene how much more do sheep! All the grass they can eat. This must be the closest thing to Heaven on earth they could imagine. Then, when they have eaten to their heart’s content, they can lie down in it. I would imagine that sheep have the same feelings about lying down that we humans do. And us humans would take lying down in a field of grass any day to lying down in dirt and rocks.
He leads me beside quiet waters
Right about now in Montana the streams are running pretty high. This is because of the snow melt at lower elevations. And also the result of some of the recent rain that we’ve had. Now while kayakers and whitewater enthusiasts like high, fast streams, the rest of us don’t. Fast, high streams are generally muddy so they aren’t conducive to good fishing. And I suppose that they aren’t exactly the best water to drink from either. The fact is that if a sheep should get to close to fast water it could possibly fall in and drown. The result is that high, fast streams mean danger for sheep. And so the wise shepherd will find a nice, slow-moving stream to lead his sheep to. Or an oasis. Or a pool of water. There the sheep can enjoy drinking cool, clean, refreshing water. And also enjoy the accompanying coolness that such a stream brings to a rather hot landscape.
He restores my soul
Again, understanding that sheep are pretty similar to humans in some respects, once a sheep has eaten its share of green grass and drank its share of refreshing water, what does it want to do? Relax. Lie down. Rest. This serves to renew the sheep’s energy and vitality. This is important so it can be healthy and ward off sickness and disease. When it comes to people, there is a good reason why they enjoy dinner = food and drink. Once their bodies’ physical needs have been taken care of, then a person can sit back. Rest. Relax. Enjoy themselves. Whether it’s at a restaurant, a friend’s house, or home, there is something very restorative about dinner. Spirit’s are revived. Things are put in their proper perspective. Now let's put all of these phrases together.
In a word, these three phrases represent care. This could easily be the theme of the entire Psalm. Life is such that it has a way of wearing us down. Causing us to grow weary. To lose strength. Tired and exhausted, we become susceptible to discouragement, depression and even sin. As our Good Shepherd, Jesus cares for us. He leads us to those green pastures of rest and relaxation. He leads us to places where we can drink from His Spirit and His Word. He restores our soul. To restore means ‘to repair, renovate, or return to a former condition’. Jesus revitalizes our spirit to the point where we are able not only to function once again but to live life triumphantly.
What a wonderful picture this is of Jesus - not only our Savior but our Shepherd. Are you experiencing His care today? If not, you can. All you need to do is to seek Him out and follow His leading. As I Peter 5:7 encourages us, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
Lord, I thank you that You care for me. Me! In every way. May I continue to follow You and submit to Your leading, as so find rest for my body and soul. In Jesus' name, Amen.
