The New Year

John 10:1 to 21 and Psalm 23

The scriptures encourage us to reflect on the passing of time – to number our days aright as Moses says in Psalm 90. Psalm 23 is appropriate for this. It used to be very well known, it was learnt in schools, this is not so now. Some people say that there are problems with it – it is too bright and cheerful. It is not the only one of David’s psalms that is cheerful. Often he is crying for help or for forgiveness because of sin, was he rejecting what he wrote in Psalm 23 then? No, Psalm 23 is about the life of a child of God, in the end that is cheerful, bright and glorious. It is an overview. It is an overview. It is a picture of a shepherd and his sheep. David had been a shepherd. This was natural.
1. God is his shepherd. It is natural for us. The Lord Jesus accepted and applied it to himself – see John 10. We think of the Lord Jesus in Psalm 23 and accept it as David did. It delights us for this reason. He was also saying ‘I am one of the Lord’s sheep. He knew they were not bright animals, David accepted that there was a lot wrong with him as there is with us. In those days they had to be taken out to find food and water. They needed leading and protecting from wolves, lions and thieves. This only worked if the sheep followed the shepherd. This applies to us or we get into trouble – if we do not follow God’s word and commands. The picture applies to us all.
2. The shepherd provides for the sheep – verse 2. The shepherd provides rest and plenty. David knew this – he began as a shepherd and God showered him with plenty. He had much to thank God for. God has lavished much on us. God has given us an abundance of food, medicine, education and much more which our forefathers and poor nations do not have. Our shepherd has given us rest – peace and freedom.
3. He restores us and guides – verse 3. as in the parable of the lost sheep, he seeks out the lost sheep who has strayed from the fold. He restores our souls when we are born again and he took us from death to eternal life. He guides us in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. His name and character and honour are at stake here. If he had lost sheep David would have been in trouble. If Jesus fails to bring his sheep home for their eternal rest he would be blameworthy. David knows his shepherd will never fail. David says this for our encouragement. Jesus will never abandon us. He is the good shepherd who gives his life for the sheep. Our salvation is certain.
4. We are kept in troubles – verse 4a. The sheep had to be moved about, there was travelling to do in what was often deep, narrow valleys and ravines where wild animals and robbers could hide. This led to doubts and could end in death. It was not always death, but all Christians know difficulties, trials and tribulations. We will have to through the final valley – death. We shall fear no evil because God is with us. It is the only sure help in time of trouble and trial. The shepherd use his weapons – the rod and staff to protect his sheep. God has infinite power to do this.
5. the shepherd has guests – verse 5. the shepherd treats the guests abundantly and lavishly. He anoints and cools his guests and he fills their cups to overflowing. He does this in the face of our enemies. David had many – Goliath, Saul, nations and even his own family. God treats us generously.
6. He is good to us all the days of our lives – verse 6a. This is based on the character of the good shepherd. We know he us good to us. All good things come from our loving father.
7. We have something more – Heaven – verse 6b. The house of the Lord is the shepherd’s house where we shall spend eternity. In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul says we have hope for eternity, not just for this life. Thomas Charmers was a minister even before he was converted, it was only the deaths in his family and his own illness that kept him confined for 5 months in bed that led to this. He wrote of the magnitude of eternity – how life without eternity was nothing. It was meaningless and futile. Even having billions without the hope of eternal life was a sorry farce. Psalm 23 tells us our life leads to eternal life if we know the Lord Jesus. The world and its pleasures wither away when we die. David says we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever if we trust in Him. We live now in the house of Adam. God only visited the house of Adam and then went, it was secured on the righteousness of Adam. When he fell, it was ruined. God’s house is based on God’s righteousness and will stand forever. We are saved by Christ’s righteousness forever if we trust in him. We are secure for all eternity.