Oxygen from Psalm 23 (Sheep to Sonship)

It is nearly impossible to think of a Bible passage with more universal appeal and known by so many as Psalm 23.  This Shepherd song is taught to children and frequently read at funerals as witness to God's faithfulness from cradle to grave and beyond.  As I prayed and meditated on this wonderful text, I saw something for the first time; that the rest and restoration implies that the sheep have been on a long, tough journey.  We often picture this shepherd moving through vast fields of green with lush flowing streams, but the word-picture David uses is that of the "oasis," a rest stop surrounded by desert and paths of righteousness that lead through Death Ravine. The Psalm recognizes the strain and temptations of life, but praises God for His all sufficient grace.

The LORD is my shepherd.

I have everything I need.

He makes me recline in an oasis of vegetation.

He leads me to resting places by water.

He restores my being.

He guides me in paths of righteousness

on account of his name.

Even if I go into Death Ravine,

I shall not fear evil because

You are with me;

Your club and your staff comfort me.

You are arranging before me a table,

in front of my foes.

You anoint my head with oil.

My cup runs over.

Yes, goodness and covenant love shall purse me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

(Psalm 23 -- DKB translation)

Shepherd of Souls:

You call us by name and we hear Your voice,    (John 10:5, 18:37)

those of us who, by Your sovereign choice,

are herded together into Your flock,

into your sheepfold, safe on the Rock.

Like the good shepherd who cares for his sheep,

You provide everything freely we need:

rich food to empower our long journeying;

rest in this desert beside hidden springs.

Your Word is our food, Your Spirit the water,   (Mt. 4:4, John 7:38)

springing within us as sons and daughters.

Guide us forever in paths that You please,

sparing us from so much we don't need.

You feed us and lead us for Your name's sake,

and nothing we do earns us Your grace.

You sought us and found us in Death's Ravine

when other false shepherds had fled from the scene. (Ez. 34)

You calmed us and healed us and banished all fear;

your power and presence are always so near.

Your club and your staff protect us from evil

permitting us peace in the midst of upheaval.  (John 16:33)

Thank You that You do not leave us sheep

but raise us to sonship Your promise to keep.  (John 1:12)

You spread out the banquet, the homecoming feast,   (Luke 15:11-24)

anointing my head with unguent sweet.

It's all so lavish, so full, overflowing,

even our Enemy cringes at knowing

how much You love us, how much You care,

Your covenant love and goodness to share.

Oh Jesus, Good Shepherd, stay close to my side,

for wandering is this sheep's natural incline.

And then from within, transform my sheep ways,

and make me Your son in Your house for always.

Amen.