Psalm 23–#3 Green Pastures

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures”

“”The strange thing about sheep is that because of their very makeup it is almost impossible fo them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met,” wrote the East African born W. Phillip Keller in “A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm.”

#1 They must be free from fear.

#2 There must be no tension within the flock.

#3 They must not be aggravated with flies or parasites.

#4 They must be free from hunger.

“A flock that is restless, discontented, always agitated and disturbed never does well,” Keller writes.

Of course, that’s true of people as well.

When the Lord is “my Shepherd,” He can dispel life’s fears. Its doubts. Its uncertainties. And the dread of the unknown.

We live in an unstable, unsure, and uncertain world. We experience fears within and fears without. We may try to be cool and calm, but there is ever lurking that feeling, though often suppressed, “what’s next?”

We never know when that dreaded call may come in the middle of the night. Or a shocking diagnosis from our doctor following some tests. Or a policeman showing up at our door with a grim look on his face.

Our world may be turned upside down by financial down turns. Or a friend’s betrayal. Or a dismissal by our company. Or a split in the church.

There are issues (and people) who irritate, aggravate, and “bug” us. In addition, there are domestic relational problems. Tension. Internal struggles. Guilt. Shame. Hurt. And doubt.

Frankly, there are times when we feel depleted. Empty. Burnt out. Spiritually malnourished. We hunger. We thirst. But are not fed.

So, where do we turn? What do we do?

There can only be one answer. The Shepherd. My Shepherd.

The Shepherd says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). He assures that He will provide, protect, and sustain us. He makes us to lie down. To find peace, comfort, and solace.

The prophet promised, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isa.26:3). Or as Paul reminds us, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7).

By fixing our eyes on the Shepherd, hearing and heeding voice, and then following His lead, we can enjoy the green pastures. Find solace for the soul. Tranquility for the spirit. And peace of mind.

As noted in previous posts, the Good Shepherd has entrusted to human Shepherds who pastor the flock to engage in similar work. While no man can compare to the Chief Shepherd, it’s well to remember the responsibility to lead the sheep to green pastures. To provide spiritual food. And to relieve, as much as humanly possible, fear, aggravation, and tension within the flock.

Keller observed that like chickens have “a pecking order,” sheep have “butting order.” An old ewe will try to bully other sheep. If they don’t get their way, they will unmercifully butt them to force them into submission.

It’s not difficult to see the parallel and application to humans who fight for status and will “butt” others out of the way to get their way. Sadly, this is sometimes seen in the Lord’s church. Shepherds must be aware of those issues that can create rivalry, tension, foolish disputes, and carnal aggression. The Shepherd must step in, solve the problem, and lead the sheep to spiritually green pastures.

By looking to Jesus, The Good Shepherd, we can receive that kind of help and hope and find rest for the weary soul.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman