He is a pilgrim-traveller. It is a great thing to be one of Christ's flock, ever under the Shepherd's tender care. GOD WILL AFFORD PROTECTION IN THE DARKEST AND MOST DIFFICULT TIMES. "The valley of the shadow of death" must not be limited to mean only the actual approach and experience of death; it may stand for any crisis of danger, suffering, or weakness, bodily or spiritual Travellers tell of a desolate gorge near Ispahan, "the valley of the angel of death." It would be well if some Christians thought more of rest in Christ; their work would be richer in quality even if less in quantity. 6. 13:2 to “the law of Moses,” which is also referred to as “the law of the Lord” (Luke 2:22, 23), by ascribing Ex. But more is promised. INSPIRED WORDS. If there are times of sweet rest and comfort, there are also times of struggling and of fear. A classic resource, The MacArthur Study Bible is perfect for serious study. My cup runneth over - It is not merely "full;" it runs over. The sheep can wander wide easily enough, but if they are to be kept in the right way that can be only through the Shepherd s care. YOUTH AND AGE. God is not only our Shepherd, but our Host, and the supplies of his table never fail. But the psalmist was now old. I. They are the sheep of his pasture, and the guests of his table. In the Bible, as in the Person of our Saviour, the human and the Divine are found, not apart, but in closest union. These words are the language. (1 Peter 5:3.) 2. There will be the going in and out, and finding pasture—all through; but the end is not here, but above. When the Lord's day comes round, what multitudes come together, and there is bread enough and to spare for them all! These two words, "goodness and mercy, are to be taken together rather than over-curiously distinguished. "Goodness and mercy" mark every feature of the Divine treatment, and they will, to life's end. 7. “The book of Psalms” in the NT: Luke 20:42; Acts 1:20). In the presence of mine enemies — Who seeing, envying, and fretting at it, are not able to hinder it. Thou anointest my head with oil - Margin, as in Hebrew, "makest fat." 3 and 4. Dropping the figure, the truth here conveyed is that there shall be a constant supply of the grace of Christ, and of the Spirit of Christ (cf. All well enough—for he "giveth us all," etc. BECAUSE IT GIVES US SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE OF THE BLESSEDNESS OF GOD'S PEOPLE. His thoughts are happy thoughts—he lacks nothing; he has no fear; God's mercy and goodness are with him; and he feels assured that they will continue with him all the days of his life (Psalms 23:6); he has but one desire for the future, viz. They conduct their business and enjoy their pleasures "without God" (Isaiah 5:8-12). Daily devotional with John Piper. He has risen and ascendent up on high as the great Shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20). The same trials are not appointed for all God's children. The Prayer-book Version brings out the full sense, "Therefore can I lack nothing" (comp. When we think of what we were and what we are; of what we deserved and of what we have received,—it is with wonder, love, and praise that we say, "Thou preparest a table before me." The course of thought in this psalm reminds us of a path which, after crossing peaceful plains and narrow gorges, climbs the mountain, and from its top beholds the wide, glorious prospect bathed in sunshine. Confidence in God gives—. "The psalmist describes himself as one of Jehovah's flock, safe under his care, absolved from all anxieties by the sense of his protection, and gaining from this confidence of safety the leisure to enjoy, without satiety, all the simple pleasures which make up life—the freshness of the meadow, the coolness of the stream. For thou art with me. This metaphor, so frequent in the later Scriptures (Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 49:9, Isaiah 49:10; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:6-19; John 10:11-19, John 10:26-28; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 7:17), is perhaps implied in Genesis 48:15, but first appears, plainly and openly, in the Davidical psalms (see, besides the present passage, Psalms 74:1; Psalms 77:20; Psalms 78:53; Psalms 79:1-13 :14; Psalms 80:1—psalms which, if not David's, belong to the time, and were written under the influence, of David). Psalms 107:43). This follows on the restoration. (Psalms 23:6.) The table is the Lord's table. The psalmist not only consents to but delights in this Divine care, and has no wish but to follow where the Shepherd leads. They were compelled to look on and see how God provided for him. Him: this forbids fear Jesus came to Grace Community Church the following heads 1. Way of duty and the power to do wrong with God any more than with man be a right do. 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