NOVEMBER 10, 2024
Topic: “THANKING GOD FOR HIS CARE”
Text: PSALM 23
Memory Verse: “Psalm 23:5 – “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my heard with oil: my cup runneth over”.
This is probably the most popular Psalm in the Bible and probably the most quoted passage. David saw God here as a loving God who provides for His own. The doctrine of supplying our wants as well as needs is brought to the fore in this Psalm. The Israelites were mainly agrarian and husbandmen. They were mainly people who planted and harvested crops in the field and had animals that fed on vegetation. They shepherded animals and took care of them.
A good Shepherd is willing to lay down his life for his sheep. Just like Jesus is called the Good shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. The sheep knows the shepherd’s voice and they take instructions from him for their wellbeing. The Shepherd in turn knows his own sheep different from other people’s sheep. He recognizes them, loves them and cares for them.
David himself was a Shepherd and so he knew from experience, the cares and tender affections of a good Shepherd towards his flock. In the Psalm, David catalogues the job and duties of a good Shepherd from his own experience. David remembered which kindness the Shepherd shows to his flock in that he knows when to take the sheep to the field to go and eat grass.
I remember that as a biology student in Secondary School, we were taught that most grass-eating animals were ruminants, that is, they are cud chewers. This is after they had eaten their food and stored them in what is known as the first stomach, they now find a place to lie down and bring out the food back into their mouth to chew before swallowing again.
David realized the need for the sheep to have a restful place to chew their cud, which was why he said that God made him to lie down in green pastures. David now likened God to his Shepherd who feeds him and provides for him. By having God as his Shepherd then, he is sure that he will not lack anything. This is therefore the great confidence that we believers have in Christ Jesus. If we see Him as our Shepherd, we can conclude that we shall not what anything, as He is always there to provide for our needs and protect us.
Beloved, when you feel that you are in need of some things, to whom do you turn? This morning, I am introducing to you the Lord Jesus who is your great Shepherd and who will meet you at every point of your need.
PRAYER: Father Lord, please give me the wisdom to know you as my great Shepherd so to be grateful and always giving thanks to you for always being there for me, Amen.