Once again, read through the Psalm today. Are you experiencing it anew each day? Do you find that you are beginning to know it even better? I was only 7 years old when a vacation Bible school teacher challenged us to memorize Psalm 23. All who did received a New Testament with the Psalms. I was able to do that and I still have that Bible. Memorizing God’s Word can be a discipline that brings sure rewards (and I don’t mean free Bibles) but “knowing” a passage because you have spent so much time there is even more rewarding. Can you quote it yet?
“…for His name’s sake.”
The condition of a flock of sheep is a direct reflection of the Shepherd. Determining whether a shepherd is “good” or “bad” is best done after observing the sheep. If the sheep are dirty and malnourished we would not give very high ratings. If there were injured sheep that were not being cared for we would question the level of concern that shepherd had for the sheep. We do not blame the sheep. We go to the shepherd. “What kind of shepherd would let this happen?” The condition of the sheep directly reflects on the shepherd.
So, it should come as no surprise that these beautiful things God does for us are for “His name’s sake”. It is God’s reputation that is on the line. He is the Shepherd and He is the Good Shepherd. When we see sheep that have no needs unmet…sheep who lie down in green pastures…sheep who are led by quiet waters and whose soul’s are restored…sheep who are guided in paths of righteousness…we must say…”Wow. Now they have a good shepherd!”
We tend to read and embrace the words of this Psalm for ourselves and our own comfort and that is their purpose, but we must also remember that we receive these wonderful things because the Lord is our Shepherd and He is GOOD! Your condition as a believer has a direct reflection on the Shepherd.
How has your Shepherd been treating you? Can others tell that you are under the care of the Good Shepherd? Does your life showcase the blessings that this Psalm offers? You are blessed for “His name’s sake”. This is about God and how wonderful He is!
So, read the Psalm again. This time read it focused on what is says about the Shepherd and not just what it says about the sheep. I think you will find that you will say…”Wow. We have a Good Shepherd!”