The Christmas Psalm
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23)
Topping the list of the most well-known passages in the Bible is Psalm 23. It has been cross-stitched, embroidered, memorized and rehearsed by believers and non-believers alike. In the Old Testament, Psalm 23 is what John 3:16 is to the New Testament. It is perhaps the most memorized passage in the entire Bible. Chances are some version of this psalm is presently on display in your home at this very moment. What is it about these brief six verses that make it so appealing? It’s universally recognized as a psalm of comfort. Normally the shepherd’s psalm is recited when we are facing a particularly difficult moment in life. When you think of the troubles of our world and the problems that we individually and collectively face, it’s comforting to know that we have a shepherd who is strong and wise enough to lead us through. He defends us and guides us. He watches over us. He satisfies and restores us. He anoints us with goodness and mercy and provides the means for us to dwell with Him forever. It brings great comfort to our soul to know how our wonderful shepherd cares for us.
“That’s all great,” you say, “but where is the idea of Christmas in this Psalm?” As great as the concept of comfort is; there is an even greater reality that thrilled David’s soul. What was this idea? It was the realization that our Shepherd is Immanuel. David says, “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil “for you are with me.” The realization that God was with David removed any possibility of fear penetrating his heart. David says, “I will fear no evil – for you are with me – you are Immanuel.” The name Immanuel means “God with us.” The angels told Joseph the name by which Jesus would be called is Immanuel. That’s the big idea of Christmas. That’s also the big idea of Psalm 23. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem – there was great joy because God had moved into our neighborhood. He is with us! The most thrilling, most comforting, most powerful thought David ever had, was the realization that God was present in His life. David Rejoices Because:
He Knows Who God Is: “The LORD is my shepherd.” Notice the capitalization of LORD. That’s the Bible’s way of revealing the word Yahweh. David is speaking about the Almighty One. The Unchanging One. The Omnipotent One. The Omnipresent One. No beginning –No end. Not dependant upon anyone or anything. Complete and entire within Himself. The One who transcends all of man’s loftiest ideas. You say, “If He transcends all of man’s ideas; how can anyone know him?” We know Him because he has revealed Himself in His Word. This is not a God of man’s imagination. This is the LORD, who has spoken into human history and revealed himself to mankind.
He Knows What God Is: David says He is “My Shepherd” As transcendent as the LORD is, He is also close and personal - like a shepherd carefully watching over his flock. “The LORD” emphasizes the transcendence of God. “My Shepherd” emphasizes the imminence of God. He is not some distant, nameless, or faceless deity. Yahweh is my Shepherd. He has personal concern for you. His heart is overflowing with kindness towards you. He pursues you so that goodness and mercy will abound in your life. Isn’t it good to know and experience the kindness of our shepherd? You may face people who live as if it is their mandate to be critical and unkind towards you. But your shepherd’s purpose is, “that in the coming ages God might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:7)
He Knows Where God Is: “for you are with me.” Where does David’s comfort come from? - From the knowledge that Immanuel was with him. Even in the face of death itself, David says, “I have no fear - because I don’t face it alone. My Immanuel – My Shepherd is with me.” This was the secret of David’s strength and joy. His Shepherd was constantly with him.
He Knows What God Does: “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” God’s nearness to us is all about God’s desire for His righteousness to permeate our lives. As we draw close and follow our great Shepherd, the honor of His name is displayed for the world to see. Righteousness always has been and always will be a BIG deal to God. Nothing brings his name more glory than when we respond to the Shepherd’s voice and turn away from sin.
Whatever this next year brings – rejoice that Immanuel has arrived and permit him to shepherd you through whatever comes your way. Commit to being His faithful follower and you can celebrate Christmas every day of the year.
In Joy,
PT
Topping the list of the most well-known passages in the Bible is Psalm 23. It has been cross-stitched, embroidered, memorized and rehearsed by believers and non-believers alike. In the Old Testament, Psalm 23 is what John 3:16 is to the New Testament. It is perhaps the most memorized passage in the entire Bible. Chances are some version of this psalm is presently on display in your home at this very moment. What is it about these brief six verses that make it so appealing? It’s universally recognized as a psalm of comfort. Normally the shepherd’s psalm is recited when we are facing a particularly difficult moment in life. When you think of the troubles of our world and the problems that we individually and collectively face, it’s comforting to know that we have a shepherd who is strong and wise enough to lead us through. He defends us and guides us. He watches over us. He satisfies and restores us. He anoints us with goodness and mercy and provides the means for us to dwell with Him forever. It brings great comfort to our soul to know how our wonderful shepherd cares for us.
“That’s all great,” you say, “but where is the idea of Christmas in this Psalm?” As great as the concept of comfort is; there is an even greater reality that thrilled David’s soul. What was this idea? It was the realization that our Shepherd is Immanuel. David says, “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil “for you are with me.” The realization that God was with David removed any possibility of fear penetrating his heart. David says, “I will fear no evil – for you are with me – you are Immanuel.” The name Immanuel means “God with us.” The angels told Joseph the name by which Jesus would be called is Immanuel. That’s the big idea of Christmas. That’s also the big idea of Psalm 23. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem – there was great joy because God had moved into our neighborhood. He is with us! The most thrilling, most comforting, most powerful thought David ever had, was the realization that God was present in His life. David Rejoices Because:
He Knows Who God Is: “The LORD is my shepherd.” Notice the capitalization of LORD. That’s the Bible’s way of revealing the word Yahweh. David is speaking about the Almighty One. The Unchanging One. The Omnipotent One. The Omnipresent One. No beginning –No end. Not dependant upon anyone or anything. Complete and entire within Himself. The One who transcends all of man’s loftiest ideas. You say, “If He transcends all of man’s ideas; how can anyone know him?” We know Him because he has revealed Himself in His Word. This is not a God of man’s imagination. This is the LORD, who has spoken into human history and revealed himself to mankind.
He Knows What God Is: David says He is “My Shepherd” As transcendent as the LORD is, He is also close and personal - like a shepherd carefully watching over his flock. “The LORD” emphasizes the transcendence of God. “My Shepherd” emphasizes the imminence of God. He is not some distant, nameless, or faceless deity. Yahweh is my Shepherd. He has personal concern for you. His heart is overflowing with kindness towards you. He pursues you so that goodness and mercy will abound in your life. Isn’t it good to know and experience the kindness of our shepherd? You may face people who live as if it is their mandate to be critical and unkind towards you. But your shepherd’s purpose is, “that in the coming ages God might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:7)
He Knows Where God Is: “for you are with me.” Where does David’s comfort come from? - From the knowledge that Immanuel was with him. Even in the face of death itself, David says, “I have no fear - because I don’t face it alone. My Immanuel – My Shepherd is with me.” This was the secret of David’s strength and joy. His Shepherd was constantly with him.
He Knows What God Does: “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” God’s nearness to us is all about God’s desire for His righteousness to permeate our lives. As we draw close and follow our great Shepherd, the honor of His name is displayed for the world to see. Righteousness always has been and always will be a BIG deal to God. Nothing brings his name more glory than when we respond to the Shepherd’s voice and turn away from sin.
Whatever this next year brings – rejoice that Immanuel has arrived and permit him to shepherd you through whatever comes your way. Commit to being His faithful follower and you can celebrate Christmas every day of the year.
In Joy,
PT
posted by Larry | 1:39 PM
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