![]() ![]() ![]() But Psalm 23 is not a common grace psalm. These acts of benevolence are what theologians refer to as “common grace” – that is, the grace of God that is applicable to everyone regardless of where and in whom they have put their faith. Seasons change, babies are born, food tastes good, and everyone – whether Christian or not – can have a measure of happiness in their lives. It’s true that the rain falls, crops grow, and the earth spins on its axis. Now it’s true that God is a caring Creator. In fact, the good news of Psalm 23 really hangs on a single word: “My.” Specifically, the misunderstanding is that Psalm 23 is good news for everyone. And once again, even people outside the Christian faith will look to a passage like this for comfort and strength during seasons of difficulty.īut with popularity comes the danger of misunderstanding. It’s been quoted and read during times of difficulty by individuals, families, churches, and even entire nations. It has been a source of comfort and strength for generations. But another reason why it’s so familiar is the comforting nature of this psalm. That’s part of the reason it’s so familiar. If you’ve read much of the Bible, then, you’ve read all about sheep and shepherds, and Psalm 23 is kind of the pinnacle of that language. When we turn to the New Testament, we see that the birth of Christ was announced to shepherds.Īnd Jesus Himself took up this title in John 10 to describe Himself as the Good Shepherd. In the prophets, as the people chased after other gods, they were described as sheep without a shepherd. The word “shepherd” is used as a verb in the Old Testament to describe how the leaders of Israel should relate to their people. When Moses fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian he took up work as a shepherd among the Midianites.ĭavid, of course, was a shepherd before he became the king of Israel. ![]() The patriarchs of the Old Testament – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were at least in some part shepherds. Part of the reason it’s so familiar is because the imagery of sheep and shepherds is so intwined throughout all Scripture: It’s so familiar in fact that even those who would not call themselves Christians can usually quote along, at least in the first few verses. Heaven is God’s answer to Murphy’s Law.Psalm 23 is arguably the most familiar text in the entire Bible. Nothing will be lost nothing will be missing nothing will fall apart or go down the drain. Be certain the Lord alone is your Shepherd!Įverything goes wrong here nothing will go wrong there. Those who know Christ as their Shepherd have a future beyond belief. In Revelation 21 and 22, we read about a new planet and a vast city. The final two chapters of the Bible give us a vivid flyover of our heavenly home. ![]() The ultimate reality is our Father’s house-where there is a father who never dies, who makes a home for the lonely, who treats us like family, where real love awaits us.” Our earthly homes are mere signs or reflections-primitive symbols of warmth, love, togetherness, and familiarity. In his book on Psalm 23, David Roper said, “It’s not that heaven is somewhat like home. Jesus used this image in John 14:2, saying, “In My Father’s house are many mansions.… I go to prepare a place for you.” Recommended Reading: Jeremiah 23:3-6 - 3 “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds and they shall be fruitful and increase. 4 I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the Lord. 5 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord,“That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness A King shall reign and prosper,And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.6 In His days Judah will be saved,And Israel will dwell safely Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.Īs we enter 2023 with Psalm 23, notice how it ends in the house of the Lord. David Jeremiah (January-28-2023) Daily Devotional: The Best From Psalm 23: The House of the Lord - Turning PointĪnd I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ![]()
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