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9.26.2008

Psalm Friday

Lush, Green Pastures
Psalm Friday
Psalm 23, continued

* Pray. Ask God to give you an open heart and mind to learn new truths from His Word. Read Psalm 23 through three times. Record any thoughts or questions you have in your journal. If a verse stands out to you, write it on an index card and begin committing it to memory.

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still
waters.”
Psalm 23:2, NKJV


Join me today as we continue along with the Good Shepherd watching Him tend to His flock. On our journey so far we’ve seen how sheep handle fear and worry. We've also seen how they relate to one another and how friction amongst the flock affects each one of them. Last time we were together we saw what happens to sheep if they are not properly taken care of. Today we are going to look at the last element that needs to be met for a sheep to lie down in peace- freedom from hunger.

Green pastures don’t just happen by chance. Areas like those of Palestine where David penned this Psalm and kept his father’s flock, are a dry, brown, sun-burned wasteland. The green pastures needed to feed one’s flock only come with diligent labor on the part of the shepherd. Lush, green pastures are the result of clearing off rocky land; removing brush, roots, and stumps; plowing and carefully preparing the soil; seeding, planting, and irrigating the land; and carefully nurturing the grass as it grows. If the shepherd’s sheep are to enjoy these green pastures, then their shepherd must be diligent in his care of this land.

Why is it important for a flock of sheep to have lush, green pastures to feed on? These pastures are essential to having a successful and flourishing flock of sheep. A successful flock is a flock that has sheep with full bellies, lying down, resting peacefully. For ewes to produce enough milk for their growing lambs, they need green pastures to feed upon.

A hungry sheep is always on its feet, searching frantically for something to fill its belly. These sheep are never content, they don’t grow as they should, and they are no use to themselves or their shepherd. They end up weak and lifeless.

The Good Shepherd led His people, Israel, into a land flowing of milk and honey; a land that would not only provide them with much food and nourishment physically speaking, but also a land flowing with the bountiful blessings and the richness of the bread of life for their souls.

Our Shepherd has provided lush, green pastures for us to feed upon. He has provided a food to fill our souls. The Lord has invited us to pull up a chair, open wide our mouths and let Him feed us to the fill. Will you today spend some time at His table, feasting on His Word?

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open
wide your mouth and I will fill it.”
Psalm 81:10, NIV

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