Thursday 29 October, 2020

A psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Name a more famous Psalm? David’s worship poetry features two main metaphors: The kind Shepherd with their Sheep (1-4), and the Banquet celebration (v5-6). Firstly, God is our Shepherd. The caring protector. The guide in all of life’s circumstances. Secondly, God is our benefactor who convenes a feast in our honour(!) This banquet of celebration takes place in full view of our opposition; a ceremony where we are extravagantly having oil poured over our heads and our position as children of the house of God is made unquestionable – we will dwell in this house forever!

This Psalm is a beautiful painting of a spiritual and eternal reality. Jesus in my life puts me under the leadership and protection of the Good Shepherd. To be without want, to be rested and restored. I am guided in the darkest valley and I can live fearlessly. Jesus in my life makes me an adopted child of the eternal heavenly house. I am a bonafide family member and no outsider can displace me.

Thank you Jesus for David’s reminder of your care, protection and adoption. We are with you. Thank you for eternal life that begins with your restoration and anointing. Amen.

Written by Sam Stewart