What do You Want?

O. T. #1196  "What do You Want?"
April 24, 2018
Psalms 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  Psalms 23:1

LET IT GLOW

What do we want, lack, need? If Jesus is our Good Shepherd, then we will not want, lack, anything that is necessary and good for us. Notice, the want is not an extra desire on our wish list. Throughout the years, I have experienced God's provisions of jobs, cars, money for tuition, forgiveness, love, strength, healing, etc.

David grew up taking care of his father's sheep. He learned to lead them, care for them, provide for them and protect them. It is no wonder that he used the metaphor of God being our Great Shepherd that takes care of us His sheep. So let us take this familiar chapter a verse at a time in order to soak in a deeper meaning.

The Hebrew word for LORD Shepherd is Jehovah-Raah, which means to tend a flock, pasture it,  herdman, to associate with as a friend, pastor.

Here are some things I have learned about sheep and shepherds. The shepherd of sheep went before them, making sure they are not walking into danger. If the sheep followed him, they were provided for and protected. Sheep are actually dumb animals, grazing and wandering off on its own into danger. Not looking where they are going while grazing, they can fall off a cliff, stray away from the flock, become prey for a lion or bear, and even fall into a stream, having their wool soak up the water, thus drowning the sheep. The shepherd is greatly need by the sheep, they just don't know it. And when a sheep got stuck in a thicket, the shepherd would use the crook of his staff to deliver it. He would apply ointment to sores the sheep got. If a sheep became crippled, he would tenderly carry it upon his shoulders. At the end of the day, the shepherd would lead his sheep back into the corral, inspecting each one for cuts or sores. If needed, he would apply soothing oil for healing. Then, the shepherd would lie down at the doorway so nothing could enter to harm the sheep. He knows his sheep, perhaps by name, and knows if any are missing from the fold.
If David was out on the hillside at night watching over his sheep, he would play his little harp, singing songs (psalms) unto his God. Such a practice continued in his adult life.

Jesus spoke in John 10:11, I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
in verse 14, He says, I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

Likewise, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, takes care of His children, sheep if you may refer to us as such. There are times we wander away from Him, so He calls us by name, graciously bringing us back into the fold. When we get hurt, He tenderly soothes us and heals our wounds. Jesus leads us on a path that is right for us. He watches over us and protects us.
What a marvelous Shepherd we have! Are we obediently following Him today?

LET IT GROW

The second part of that first verse says, I shall not want.

The word want means to lack, to fail, bereave.

The shepherd knows what his sheep need-nourishing grass and cool water, protection from harm, love and care.

Jesus is called Jehovah-Jireh, The LORD will provide. This term is first mentioned in Genesis 22:123-14. Abraham was tested of his love for the LORD, if it was greater than love for his son Isaac. Abraham was told to offer his son on an altar as a sacrifice unto God, killing him. Abraham was obedient, believing God would provide, which He did. Before killing Isaac, God provided a ram in the thicket to be the substitute sacrifice.

Concerning this verse, Matthew Henry says," I shall be provided with whatever I need; and, if I have not every thing I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me, or I shall have it in due time. "
God's loving, protective care is perfect; His sheep need nothing else. (David Jeremiah)

But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

If we need it, He will give it. Do we believe it?


LET IT GO

Follow my Good Shepherd.
Ask and trust Him to provide for my needs.
Thank Him for meeting those needs.