By: Dr. Steven K. Parker
Reflection on the week:
· How have you experienced God’s presence this week?
· Take a few moments to prepare your heart to receive God’s word.
Approaching God’s word: Read these words slowly, prayerfully, and thoughtfully, focusing on vs. 5.
Reading the text:
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
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 goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Reflection on the passage:
· How is the image in vs. 5 different from the verses that have come before it?
· Restate this verse in your own words.
Pastoral Thoughts: The 23rd Psalm begins with the image of The LORD as a Shepherd who tenderly cares for His flock. In today’s verse, the image shifts from the pasture and the shepherd-sheep relationship to the home and a host-guest relationship. The type of hospitality described in this verse was very important in the ANE world. In the world of this Psalm, a person who had taken a meal in one’s home was assured that the host would do everything possible to provide for and protect his guest. God is here depicted as the ultimate host who provides for and protects His people.
This thought can be so comforting as we navigate this tumultuous year. As we live lives of worship, reading this great Psalm, we find ourselves, not just with a place at the table, but as God’s honored guests. When we reflect upon the LORD’s providence as our Good Shepherd and how God blesses us daily, even in a hostile environment, we can join the Psalmist in affirming together in worship: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (vs. 5).
Further Reflection:
● How can this image of God preparing a table before us bring us comfort during a difficult year like this?
● Spend a few moments in prayer, communing with God, thanking the Lord for Christ’s sacrifice, looking toward His sure return.
Praying together: Thank You, God, for giving us a place at Your table. You provide everyting we need, protect us through every trying time, and bless us beyond what we deserve. Set our hearts toward Your great, end-of-the-age banquet where we will dine with You in Your kingdom. Until then, help us to draw all people toward Your salvation, providence, and deliverance. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
Looking ahead: We hope you’ll join us for worship on Sunday as we wrap up this study on the 23rd Psalm titled: Following the Good Shepherd in Tumultuous Times. This Sunday we will be having another in-person parking lot revival service. You can come and worship in-person or join the live online broadcast at 11 AM.