Daily Devotion, November 13, 2019

Devotion:

Read Psalm 23:5a.

In his book, A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23, Phillip Keller writes, “In thinking about this statement it is well to bear in mind that the sheep are approaching the high mountain country of the summer ranges. These are known as alplands or tablelands so much sought after by shepherds.”  Keller continues describing all the preparations a good shepherd would do to prepare the tablelands for the sheep to safely graze.

The preparations include making a survey trip before springtime and a second trip to take salt and minerals to distribute over the range at strategic spots for the sheep. The good shepherd will also find the best places for the camps to be and will locate all the vegetation which will nourish the sheep.

The good shepherd will also find any poisonous plants and eradicate them. This is a tedious task, but necessary for the health of the sheep. Keller writes that another task the attentive shepherd takes on is to keep an eye out for predators such as wolves, coyotes, cougars and bears. Only the alertness of the shepherd who tends the flock in full view of possible enemies can prevent them from the predators.

From the sheep’s perspective, they have the full assurance that the shepherd has gone before them, and remains with them. Therefore, they can eat and sleep in perfect peace.

The Psalmist, David, was a shepherd prior to being King. David knows the extent to which a good shepherd would take care of the sheep. David’s psalm speaks confidently of God’s care for him as only a Good Shepherd would. Psalm 100 adds that people are the sheep of God’s pasture. We can be confident of God’s care for us as well.

Jesus describes Himself as “the Good Shepherd who will lay down His life for his sheep.” Phillip Keller asks, “When I come to the Lord’s Table and partake of the communion service which is a feast of thanksgiving for His love and care, do I fully appreciate what it has cost Him to prepare this table for me?”

Personal Worship Option:

Jesus also calls us to “higher ground” when He asks us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). For the people of the Middle East, to share a meal is to no longer be enemies. As we experience forgiveness at our Lord’s meal, so we are invited to offer forgiveness to others, even our enemies. Who is God leading us to forgive today?