Psalm 23 is easy to recite and a marvelous poem. One of the psalms written by King David. Being David’s favorite psalm, which portrays God’s holy, divine and unfailing love. This psalm can be read during times of joy, sadness, loneliness or hopelessness. After meditating on each six verses of the psalm, you shall seek comfort and peace.
Psalm 23 speaks about the Lord Jesus (vv.1-3) and to the Lord Jesus (vv. 4-6). We (sheep; see also Jn 10: 1-5) identifies Him as my shepherd (vv. 1; see also Jn 10:14), thus indicating a close relationship with Him. And in this relationship of shepherd and sheep, we lack nothing, for example, the green pastures of kingdom life (v. 2; see also Jn 10:10) ;the still waters of baptism (v.2; see also Jn 3:5) and the conversion of the soul to the paths of righteousness (v.3; see also Jn10: 3,4 -7). In speaking to the Lord, we are grateful to Him
(1) for deliverance from the fear of death (v.4; see also Heb 2 :14,15)
(2) for the Eucharist (v.5; see also Lk 22:14-20)
(3) for a lifetime of mercy (v.6; see also Lk 1:50,54).
Psalm 23 helps us to understand mercy and kindness of Lord Jesus. King David was not only a poet, but also was a prophet who prophesied about Christ in his psalms. David who , with profound love, claims God as “my shepherd”. Showing a sweet and caring nature of our God, we need to fear nothing. We will be taken good care by our Lord.
Testaments promises us salvation and new testament fulfills old testament by the coming of foretold Messiah. Above references is a proof that all things are carefully and majestically orchestrated by our Lord through judges, kings, queens, prophets and prophetesses. Jesus came down from heaven, became man, sacrificed Himself, died on the cross, rose again from dead, ascended into heaven, is with Father Jehovah and shall come again to take us to a new heaven. Christ redeemed us from our sins. God, the father, sacrificed His only son for mankind. His love is the greatest gift to us all.
For God says my sheep knows my voice, they would follow me. We all are his sheep, aren’t we? All we need to seek Him and He will answer. For He has the power and authority which no one has. For it’s written in the bible, a good shepherd for his own sheep would fight wild animals to protect his flocks. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) Though a hired servant would prefer to run away for his life leaving the flocks to wild animals. Christ for us fought Satan. It’s not hard to be His sheep, repent for your sins, love and honor God. Start talking to God, through prayers and hymns, you will be surely answered. God loves us all, you, me and everyone. Love God and you shall seek peace.
I am from Indian Malankara Orthodox Syrian church, one of the sisters of oriental orthodox church. I believe God Jesus is my eternal Father and He wants us to be with Him by believing in Him, by calling out to Him. Satan tempts us with earthly pleasure to separate us from our heavenly Father. It’s not the length of prayer or your offerings God needs, but a good heart. You know why psalm 23 uses shepherd because king David was a young and good shepherd of his father Jesse’s sheep. This psalm is very personal to king David. Notice the striking similarity, how Lord Jesus is a good shepherd of Father Jehovah’s sheep and we are His beloved sheep.
Sheep and lambs hold a cherished place in Christian faith, symbolizing innocence, gentleness, and purity, while reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ as the Lamb of God. As followers, Christians are likened to sheep cared for by Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who lovingly guides, protects, and leads the flock to safety. The lamb’s vulnerability and trust highlight the deep spiritual dependence and surrender to God’s grace in the journey of faith.
https://youtu.be/s50vvwTystA)
Interesting science fact, the sheep are usually very quiet and gentle, holding themselves aloof from the world. In a herd, all the sheep tend to listen to their leaders and show esteem to them. Because of the obedient character, sheep are among the most popular animals beloved by mankind.
Today, everyone thirsts for affection but ironically we sometimes take someone for granted knowing deep down in our hearts that they are always there for us. Someone who cares for you like parents, siblings, teachers or spouses, anyone. Although, human love is imperfect, complex and can be conditional. Knowingly or unknowingly human emotions can corrupt or change with regards to worldly influences. Christ’s love is simple, divine and pure. Christ loves us unconditionally, we are not perfect but seek near perfection to praise perfect God. For Christ highlights two important commandments, love your God with all your heart, mind and soul. Second, love your neighbors as yourself (Good Samaritan parable was told for explaining who ought to be our neighbor and the moral of the story was that every human, despite the differences, is our neighbor who requires our love. ) Love and kindness heals any ailment, mentally or physically. Love God, believe in Him and be good to others. Hope nothing in return, for expectations not met causes immense pain. I do hope that this was helpful. I want to conclude by quoting, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (v. Mt 7:7)
~J George Thomas (AKA A Thomas)
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