Daily Manna

Key Verse

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:1,2). 

TEXT —  Psalm 23:1-3

Message

The twenty-third Psalm is arguably the most popular portion of Scripture. Known as the Shepherd’s Psalm, it was composed by David, who was a shepherd as a boy. He knew from experience what shepherds do for their sheep.

In the eastern countries, shepherds are very close to their sheep. They give names to each of their sheep and give them individual attention. The shepherd daily leads the flock out to luscious pastures and watering. Then, at night, he keeps them in the sheepcote while he sleeps at the only entrance into the cote. This way, no intruder can reach the sheep but has to get through the shepherd first. While in transit, the shepherd carries the lambs in his bosom and deals gently with pregnant or nursing sheep. He also takes the pain to trace and promptly returns any sheep that goes astray. These were probably the thoughts in David’s mind when he avowed the Lord as his Shepherd.

This Psalm expresses profound truths about a living relationship with God. The Bible often describes God as the Shepherd of His people (Psalms 28:9; 77:20; 78:52; 80:1), Jesus as the good, great, and chief Shepherd who gave His life to save humankind (John 10:14; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4), and God’s people as sheep (Psalm 100:3; 1 Peter 2:25). The metaphor of God as a Shepherd speaks of His love, care, and faithfulness to us at all times. With Jesus as our Shepherd, we can live without want. He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory and cure our hearts of all the wrong cravings that disturb our peace. The picture of a sheep lying down in a green pasture conveys the idea of a fully satisfied and safe sheep. This imagery portrays the Lord providing guidance, protection, sustenance, rest, and restoration for His people.

He gives us true satisfaction. However, the big question is, have you made the Lord your Shepherd? David made the Lord his Shepherd by surrendering his life to God. Many people recite this Psalm without taking the definite step to make the Lord their Shepherd. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:14). Jesus becomes your Shepherd when you come to Him in repentance and confess Him as the Shepherd and Bishop of your soul.

Thought for the day

You can only say I shall not want if the Lord is your Shepherd. 

• Bible
• in one year
• Psalms 68– 71 (Read By Alexander Scourby)