JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

July 1987

Dear Friend:

You asked about the 23rd Psalm.

Many things could be written about this beautiful, meaningful Psalm. Regrettably, space permits only a few, brief comments here.

The Psalm begins, "The Lord is my shepherd." David, the author of this song, refers to God as a shepherd guarding His flock. He said that God was his Protector and Provider, the One he looked to for all his needs. Even Christ Himself, when He was human, said, "I can of mine own self do nothing" (John 5:30). Because we are weak, corruptible, mortal human beings, we have to depend entirely upon God for all our being.

The song continues, "I shall not want." "Want" here means lack. David was confident that he would lack nothing to support his body and life, that God would provide ALL his needs. This is echoed in Psalm 34, verses 9 and 10.

David went on to write, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." David compares himself to a lamb contentedly grazing while the shepherd watches over it. The New Testament refers to God's people as lambs. Jesus Himself is called both a shepherd and the Lamb of God.

Continuing, "He restoreth my soul." David knew he was a sinner. But he also knew that God had redeemed him and given him life. David elsewhere expressed his great joy at having had his sins forgiven; notice Psalm 51.

David's next thoughts were, "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." What is righteousness? "All thy commandments are righteousness," answers David in Psalm 119:172. When we obey and are blessed, God is glorified. But even the will to obey comes from God; no man can find the path to true righteousness without being lead to it by God.

Looking forward, David wrote, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." David had such confidence in God that he had no fear even in the face of death! This peace of mind comes only from God. Paul said, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (II Tim. 1:7).

David's next thoughts were, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." God promises to bless us even though enemies may surround us. Not only will He supply our needs, but He is able to supply "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20).

The Psalm concludes, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." David looked forward to a full life then and after that in God's Kingdom for all eternity.

Amen.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT