The Lord is My King
The Lord is My Leader
Psalm 21-25
Psalm 23, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."
Our world is crying for a leader who will bring unity, security, and stability to a chaotic, conflicted culture. Every day, the headlines of the news are filled with reports of conflicts and acts of violence. In today's world of political division, we idolize the political leaders who espouse the views we have and demonize those who contradict our views. Today, our nation is being ripped apart by political division and conflicting worldviews, each vying to control the narrative. For many is not "what side are you on?" but "Who can bring unity to our world?"
While Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and recognized portions of scripture for the comfort and promise it gives, we often fail to underlying purpose and meaning of the text. The title "shepherd" is more than just an occupation; it evokes a pastoral picture where the shepherd cares and protects us. The Psalm points us to the answer to our conflicting political world. The title "Shepherd" is a motif found throughout the Old Testament to describe one who leads the nation. Not only is God referred to as the shepherd, but it was also a technical term to describe the role and responsibility of a shepherd. In Psalm 78:70-71, David is chosen by God to be the shepherd of the people. In Ezekiel 34, in his indictment of the failures of the kings of Israel, God condemns the "shepherds" for their failure to care for the people of God. When David states that "The Lord is my Shepherd," he is saying that God is his King. As his King, God provides for all his needs. Instead of using his subjects to benefit himself, he sacrifices himself to provide for the servants. He stands in contrast to the earthy kings who abuse the people for their own benefit (Ezekiel 34:3).
In verse 2, the picture of the righteous shepherd is that he provides for the needs of the sheep. His sheep are fully satisfied, having all the rich grace they need for food. In ezek 34:2, we find the earthly kings were more concerned about feeding themselves rather than caring for the flock. Furthermore, they did not care for the injured and diseased sheep. In contrast, our heavenly King cares for the sheep by bringing healing to their wounds. Oil was commonly used medicinally to treat wounds to prevent perisites from entering the wound and causing infections to grow. God cares for us when we are broken and wounded (vs 5).
In Jeremiah 23, we also find God condemning the leaders of Israel for their failure to tend to God's people. Instead of leading them to a safe field of grass and watching over them to protect them from scattering or being attacked by wild animals, these earthly kings neglected their responsibility. However, God not only takes us to green pastures free from wild animals, but He also actively protects us from any attack. Even though they are going through places of significant threat and risk, David remains unconcerned because he knows that God, as the chief shepherd, is actively watching over his people and protecting them from any danger. With his rod and staff (used for both care and protection from attack), he gives the assurance of his divine protection.
This Psalm not only describes God's protection of his people, but it is prophetic in that the ultimate fulfillment of God's shepherding protection is revealed in Christ. Christ came as the good shepherd. He came as the Messianic King to care, protect, and guide his people.—to watch over us. David knew that God was his King; therefore, he did not fear. Similarly, we have Christ as our King, so that we do not need to fear either. Just as David found comfort that his King is enthroned in heaven and protecting and leading him, so we also have comfort, for we know that our King, the person of Christ, is enthroned in heaven and watching over us. In a world of uncertain, we find certainty. In a world of fear, we find security. In a world of conflict, we have peace. In a world of threats, we have protection, for we have Jesus, the good shepherd, as our King.
Psalm 21-25
Psalm 23, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."
Our world is crying for a leader who will bring unity, security, and stability to a chaotic, conflicted culture. Every day, the headlines of the news are filled with reports of conflicts and acts of violence. In today's world of political division, we idolize the political leaders who espouse the views we have and demonize those who contradict our views. Today, our nation is being ripped apart by political division and conflicting worldviews, each vying to control the narrative. For many is not "what side are you on?" but "Who can bring unity to our world?"
While Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and recognized portions of scripture for the comfort and promise it gives, we often fail to underlying purpose and meaning of the text. The title "shepherd" is more than just an occupation; it evokes a pastoral picture where the shepherd cares and protects us. The Psalm points us to the answer to our conflicting political world. The title "Shepherd" is a motif found throughout the Old Testament to describe one who leads the nation. Not only is God referred to as the shepherd, but it was also a technical term to describe the role and responsibility of a shepherd. In Psalm 78:70-71, David is chosen by God to be the shepherd of the people. In Ezekiel 34, in his indictment of the failures of the kings of Israel, God condemns the "shepherds" for their failure to care for the people of God. When David states that "The Lord is my Shepherd," he is saying that God is his King. As his King, God provides for all his needs. Instead of using his subjects to benefit himself, he sacrifices himself to provide for the servants. He stands in contrast to the earthy kings who abuse the people for their own benefit (Ezekiel 34:3).
In verse 2, the picture of the righteous shepherd is that he provides for the needs of the sheep. His sheep are fully satisfied, having all the rich grace they need for food. In ezek 34:2, we find the earthly kings were more concerned about feeding themselves rather than caring for the flock. Furthermore, they did not care for the injured and diseased sheep. In contrast, our heavenly King cares for the sheep by bringing healing to their wounds. Oil was commonly used medicinally to treat wounds to prevent perisites from entering the wound and causing infections to grow. God cares for us when we are broken and wounded (vs 5).
In Jeremiah 23, we also find God condemning the leaders of Israel for their failure to tend to God's people. Instead of leading them to a safe field of grass and watching over them to protect them from scattering or being attacked by wild animals, these earthly kings neglected their responsibility. However, God not only takes us to green pastures free from wild animals, but He also actively protects us from any attack. Even though they are going through places of significant threat and risk, David remains unconcerned because he knows that God, as the chief shepherd, is actively watching over his people and protecting them from any danger. With his rod and staff (used for both care and protection from attack), he gives the assurance of his divine protection.
This Psalm not only describes God's protection of his people, but it is prophetic in that the ultimate fulfillment of God's shepherding protection is revealed in Christ. Christ came as the good shepherd. He came as the Messianic King to care, protect, and guide his people.—to watch over us. David knew that God was his King; therefore, he did not fear. Similarly, we have Christ as our King, so that we do not need to fear either. Just as David found comfort that his King is enthroned in heaven and protecting and leading him, so we also have comfort, for we know that our King, the person of Christ, is enthroned in heaven and watching over us. In a world of uncertain, we find certainty. In a world of fear, we find security. In a world of conflict, we have peace. In a world of threats, we have protection, for we have Jesus, the good shepherd, as our King.
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Who do we listen to?God's Patience and the Certainty of JudgmentThe Present Implications of the FutureAcknoweldgement, Confession, and ForgivenessThe Mark of a Genuine DiscipleThe Unchanging WordThe Lost ARt of DiscernmentA Life that Pleases GodThe Subtle Danger of Spiritual PrideContending for the FaithThe Judgement of False TeachersKeep Our Faith in a Fallen WorldSecurity in a Insecure WorldThe God who Controls HistoryThe Terrifying Majesty of ChristThe Majesty of GodThe Praise of God's JusticeHaving Right Priorities in Life
February
The Autobiography of GodThe God who CreatesThe God who RecreatesThe God Who Gives Us SignificanceThe Blessing of God's PlansTrusting in the Timing and Plan of GodThe God who ProvidesGod's Sovereignty and GraceThe King of Self or the King of KingsThe Exclusive Worship of GodHas God Forgotten?The Wonder of God's Plan and TimingGod's Sovereignty and Forgiveness
March
When Life and Faith Do Not AlignThe Jealousy of GodThe Judgment and Delieverance of GodGod's Provision, Presence and ProclamationSalvation and TransformationA Dwelling for GodThe Righteous and Loving GodPreparing for God's PresenceThe Requirements of a Holy GodThe Sacrifices and ChristThe Holiness of God and the Uncleanness of HumanityPrioritizing GodThe Severity and Grace of HolinessGod's Blessings and DisciplineAproaching God on His Terms
April
A Call to HolinessOpportunity or FailurePride and HumilityA Talking Donkey and a Prophetic JackassTransitions and EmpowermentThe God of JusticeThe Danger of Spiritual ForgetfulnessObedience and the Danger of ComplacencyThe Most Important DecisionThe Test of a ProphetHOLINESS AS A WAY OF LIFEThe ChoiceThe Faithfulness of God and the Fickleness of Man
May
Fear and FaithVictory and DefeatThe Justice and Mercy of GodThe Long Term Consequences of Incomplete ObedienceThe Danger of Spiritual ComplacencyMan's Fickleness and God's FaithfulnessGod's Power on DisplayUnlikely HeroesThe Danger of Self-delusionThe Grace and Holiness of godThe Danger of Cultural AccommodationThe Failure of Disobedience20/20 Spiritual VisionWhenn Life Does Not Go as PlannedFaith, Fear, and Divine ProtectionGod's Sovereignty and Humanh FrailtyA Lesson in God's Holiness and Grace
June
Sin, Consequences, and ForgivenessWhen Life Turns DarkThe Power of GraceKeys for Successful LivingA Temple Worthy of GodThe Danger of ComplacencyFear and Faith in a Chaotic WorldSeeking Only What We Want To HearGod's Power on DisplayHow to Change a NationThe Danger of the "High Places"God's Sovereignty Amid TrialsA Superficial or Transformative Faith
July
the Lessons of the GenealogiesThe Restoration of HopeGod's Wisdom in Turbulent TimesSeeking God's Plans, Not OursDiscovering Meaning, Significance, and Fulfillment in LifeContemplating LifeA Temple Worthy of GodThe God Who SpeaksThe Tale of Two NationsSelf-Dependent or God DependentListening to the Proper Counsel
Categories
no categories
No Comments