LESSON 1, INTRODUCTION:

Let's study Psalm 23. Seems like that's a Passage of Scripture which is quite well-known, but too often only in a superficial way. It has "depths" not yet plumbed, I strongly suspect.

It was my Grandmother Greene's favorite chapter in all the Bible! Six short Verses, sweet as honey!

Yes Psalm 23, where David wrote: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 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."

Wow!

There are several ways of viewing the Psalm.

One, as the annual life cycle of a little lamb. Growing from infancy to adulthood, under the watch-care of a great shepherd!

Two, as a "split" Psalm, half picturing life in the "pasture" and the other half life at a "great banquet."

Three, simply as a poem of unsurpassed beauty, yet "touched," really "inspired" by the Holy Spirit of God.

However one categorizes these Verses ... there is spiritual milk and bread and meat and honey to be enjoyed! Through immersing our minds and hearts into these special phrases and clauses, God's inerrant Word.

This we will begin to do, the Lord willing, tomorrow morning.

Will anyone study with me?

              --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 2, FURTHER INTRODUCTION:

The twenty-third Psalm contains about a hundred words. Only fifty-five in Hebrew! It's probably the most memorized chapter in the while Bible! One Preacher of a hundred years ago called it "a microcosm of God's Grace!"

And you know what?

Without a plane ticket or a dollar of travel money, not a gallon of gas, we can spiritually go to those green pastures and still waters today. Via six precious Verses from the Word of God!

Yes, the Same Holy Spirit Who wrote this chapter can deeply "personalize" it in our hearts!

Last night I saw this, while studying. Verses 1 and 2 of Psalm 23 picture a "sheep and his shepherd." Verses 3 and 4 show us a "tour guide and his traveler." Then Verses 5 and 6 reveal a "host entertaining his guest!"

Here is theology at work in someone's life!

Written by David, the "man after God's Own Heart."

But also by David the murderer, the adulterer, the liar.

But who sought and obtained God's forgiveness.

Psalm 23 is his "testimony."

Read it again today. Or quote it from memory.

Let it bathe your soul with the Love and Kindness of Almighty God.

Enjoy the Shepherd!

Follow His Footsteps!

Sit at His Table!

Oh, the soothing Power of the Word of God!

              --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

"The Lord is my Shepherd!"

LESSON 3, THE CONTEXT:

This thought is quite old and has traveled extensively in Bible-believing circles. Yet I share it today knowing that it will be "new" and "fresh" to some. In fact, it's quite thrilling!

Psalms 22 and 23 and 24 seem to form sort of a "trilogy." A "trinity" of Truth! A "trio" each setting forth a major element of Bible doctrine!

Psalm 22 discusses the past.

Psalm 23 the present.

And Psalm 24, definitely, the future!

Psalm 22 presents Jesus' Death on the Cross.

Psalm 23 presents Jesus' present Ministry, in Heaven and the Father's Right Hand, shepherding us and interceding for us hour by hour.

And Psalm 24 presents Jesus' coming back again.

One wise old Preacher said Psalm 22 is the "Cross." Psalm 24 is the "Crown." While Psalm 23 is the "Crook" (the shepherd's staff of guidance and protection) in between the other two!

Then this. Psalm 22 presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd, again with His Death in view. "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." John 10:11

And Psalm 23 presents Him as the Great Shepherd, resurrected and living for his sheep! Hebrews 13:20-21 mentions: "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight." Our Prayer Warrior in Heaven!

And Psalm 24 shows us Jesus the Chief Shepherd, again prophetically. "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." First Peter 5:4, and His "appearing" may be soon!

As I said, thrilling!

            --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

What a Saviour!

LESSON 4, "THE LORD:"

The opening words of Psalm 23 are truly foundational. "The Lord" ... is my Shepherd! Indeed it's critically important WHO one's Shepherd is! A flock of sheep with a mediocre shepherd fares like other average groups. Just so-so! Not too bad, but not excelling either!

A flock with a poor shepherd languishes! They are sickly and skinny and often diseased, through no fault of their own.

One man well versed in this area of animal life says you can stop and oversee any pasture of sheep ... and immediately discern what kind of shepherd they have!

The shepherd is reflected in his sheep!

Oh, back to Psalm 23:1. "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." The noun used here for "Lord" is "yehovah" in Hebrew. It's used 6,519 times in the Old Testament! It houses internally the little verb "havah," meaning "to be." To exist! To live! Jehovah God is the God Who always IS! The Same yesterday, today and forever! The Great "I AM" of the universe!

The Great Superintendent (Caretaker) of His Sheep!

Say this clause a dozen times today and ponder your great God!

"The Lord is my Shepherd."

"The Lord is my Shepherd."

"The Lord is my Shepherd."

"The Lord is my Shepherd."

"The Lord is my Shepherd."

Then ... tell Him you love Him too!

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 5, THE "SHEPHERD:"

A favorite of millions, Psalm 23 clearly describes the Lord as our "Shepherd!" Metaphorically comparing us to a flock of sheep, the great congregation of the redeemed.

But what does that Title entail?

Being someone's "shepherd?"

The actual Hebrew root word is "raah."

Most literally the Text says, "The Lord, the One SHEPHERDING me!" Yes, "raah" is a participle here, active voice and masculine gender. With a "time" sense of on-going action! He is perpetually my Shepherd!

Yet again, what does the term imply?

The Hebrew lexicons define the verb stem as meaning, "to pasture" someone. To feed them, providing healthy sustenance!

The word also has a hint of the idea of "protection!" It is translated "keep" as in "guard" three times in the King James Bible.

Inherent also is the thought of a "shepherd," especially This Shepherd, being one's "Companion!" Twice it is translated this way in our Bibles. And "to company" a group of lambs in yet another text!

The Lord "feeds" me!

The Lord "guards" me!

And the Lord "accompanies" me day by day!

Then one more thought. "Raah" is fundamentally linked to the Hebrew root meaning "to see, to overlook, to view!"

The Lord never ceases to "keep His omniscient Eyes" on me, wherever I may be! He "knows" all our needs!

We are covering Psalm 23 very slowly. Still in Verse 1. But what a thought to ponder this Wednesday in June, 2014. "The LORD is my Shepherd."

What contentment, He feeds me.

What security, He protects me!

What sweetness of fellowship, He goes with me!

And what sense of value, He never takes His Eyes off me!

Praise be unto Him forever.

Amen.

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 6, MY SHEPHERD:

Not only is the Lord God the great Shepherd of Psalm 23:1, He is also "my" Shepherd too! That's exactly what David wrote long ago. "The Lord is my Shepherd."

In Hebrew the word "shepherd" is spelled "raah."

But when personalized, it's then spelled with a concluding "i" ... the way that language most often makes a possessive. That is, "roi" in the Masoretic Text, the Text our King James Bible translators used.

He is mine!

He watches over me!

I have been placed in His flock!

All the promises and encouragements of this little Psalm belong to me as well, not just the millions who have already appropriated them in the past!

And if I am a member of His flock, He knows me! Listen to Jesus: "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep." John 10:14

Also as "His," I can hear His Voice. He has made that possible. He has opened my ears! "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27

Also, as my Shepherd He protects me! John 10:28 further adds of Jesus' sheep, "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."

Wow!

What a position, the Lord being "my" Shepherd!

Even the Song of Solomon adds to our thought today. The Shulamite says of her Lover, a Type of Christ, "My Beloved is mine!" That's equivalent to the Lord being my Shepherd.

But then later in the Book she realizes too, "I am His" as well. This represents spiritual growth, folks. It's not all about me. It's about Him! I am bought with a price, the precious shed Blood of Jesus! I am His now!

Sweet!

Yes, today the Lord is indeed MY Shepherd.

But also true, and carrying with it some major responsibility, I am also HIS little lamb! His child! His flock member!

He is mine, what joy and wealth and privilege.

I am His, what need for obedience and reverence and adoration!

Hallelujah!

"The Lord is my Shepherd."

Let's never forget it.

             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 8, NO WANTS:

Psalm 23 begins with perhaps some of the best-known words in all Scripture. "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." Comforting words, too!

Specifically the second clause of this complex little entity claims our attention today. Because God is my Shepherd ... "I shall not want."

Not, "I shall be spoiled, given everything my whims desire!" Not "I shall live lavishly in the sight of the whole world."

But "I shall not want." I think it means God is the Determiner of my yearnings, my needs, my legitimate cravings!

The verb for "want" is in Hebrew spelled "chaser," pronounced "kas-ser," accenting the last syllable. It means "to be without." But in this sense, "to go lacking."

Whatever I need as a lamb in His flock ... He will provide!

This Text does not advocate a "health and wealth" theology. It does suggest God will provide all our needs!

"Chaser" is translated "want" 7 of its 21 times in the Bible. But it's "lack" 6 more times as well. It's "have need" once.

A classic example of the verb's main thrust is found in Exodus 16:18, regarding the manna God miraculously gave Israel. "And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating." Here notice the words "had (no) lack."

In its noun form "lack" is the normal word for "void." Again the idea is identical, our "needs" will be met. "Failure, destitution," are foreign experiences for God's sheep, in this poetic and obviously metaphorical sense.

How blessed we Christian should feel!

But what about the innumerable number of martyrs who have died for the Faith? Those who, using Hebrews 11:37, "were stoned, sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented?"

They are God's children too, demonstrably faithful ones nonetheless!

In Heaven, in Glory, for all eternity ... I promise you on the authority of the Word of God ... will never "want" a thing!

In fact, they will be gloriously rewarded for every tinge of suffering they've endured here!

Either way, "The Lord is our Shepherd; We shall not want."

Amen!

             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Maybe too the Verse is hinting at the fact we should let God determine our needs, as the omniscient Shepherd. Not go around telling Him what they are, what we "think" we want!

LESSON 9, GREEN PASTURES:

The second Verse of Psalm 23 mentions "pastures." In fact, they are "green!" Speaking of a good shepherd and the way he cares for his sheep, David writes: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures."

The Lord sure does take care of us!

Plenty to eat, spiritually too!

The noun used here for "pastures" is "naah" in Hebrew. It literally means "pastures" 5 times in the Bible. But it also means "habitations" 5 times and "houses" 1 time then "places" 1 more time. Twelve occurrences overall.

The adjective "green" is "deshe," meaning "new, fresh." Of its 15 Bible appearances it is rendered "green" just once, right here. It's also "grass" 8 times, amazing. And then "herb" 6 more times. It's from a root verb meaning "to sprout!"

David has almost said, grammatically now, that the Lord makes us rest and eat "grass grass!" Or "deshe naah." That's often the way the Hebrew language intensifies certain thoughts. Like "Holy of Holies!" Or King of Kings. Or Lord of Lords. Or Song of Songs. "Grass of grass!"

The Lord really does feed us well then!

Back to "naah" a second, the word for "pastures." It's history flows back to a word meaning "to be beautiful!" To be comely. To be befitting, suitable, proper!

Not only green grass but a beautiful setting!

Today let's take some time and think on this a bit ... then thank the Lord for the "green pastures" He has allowed us all to enjoy.

Maybe the home you inhabit.

The place you work.

The Church where you learn His Word.

The family among whom you live.

Build your own list.

All ... "green pastures!"

How blessed we are to have such a Shepherd!

            --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures."

Amen!

LESSON 10, HE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN:

The Shepherd, the Lord, "makes us lie down?" That's exactly what Psalm 23:2 says, its first half. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures."

Sounds forceful, doesn't it?

He MAKETH me to lie down!

But really, the Hebrew verb used here is spelled in "rabatzs," and simply means "to stretch oneself out." It's poised in the Hiphil stem, again Hebrew, suggesting "causative" action.

Our Shepherd "causes" us to rest!

He brings about the conditions necessary to give me such an inclination. To make "resting" possible!

Those who watch sheep say that four needs must be met if the little animals are going to lay down and rest! And a flock will not do so ... unless these four conditions are met!

What are they?

I had to know too.

One, full tummies! No hunger. The resting follows a good meal! A flock will not be at rest until they have been nourished!

Two, freedom from parasites, flies, or other pests. The bites and itching and dangers of infection introduce unrest in any flock of sheep!

Three, freedom from fear! If a wolf is lurking or any other predator ... forget resting! Someone must be on guard! Safety must be "in the air!"

Last, freedom from infighting among the members of the flock. No out-of-hand rivalry can be present ... again if rest is to be achieved.

Wow!

And the LORD is our Shepherd?

Yes.

And HE makes us lie down in green pastures, makes rest possible?

Yes.

So, therefore He must also feed us! And remove the parasites! And repel the fear of enemies! And bring us peace, peace one with another, peace within!

This verse takes on an entirely new meaning now, to me anyway! "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." Sure involves more than I ever thought!

What a wonderful Shepherd is ours!

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 11, HE LEADETH ME:

Inherent to the whole idea of Biblical "shepherding" is the picture of a dedicated person, not a hireling, "leading" a group of little animals from one place to another, usually to a better place.

That's why early in Psalm 23 we read these words of our dear Lord, "He leadeth me." The full sentence being, "He leadeth me beside the still waters." Psalm 23:2b

It's a fact. Sheep must be led.

The verb for "leadeth" translates "nahal" in Hebrew. It means "to guide" someone or something, "with care."

Once in the King James Bible it is rendered "carried!" He does lead us, but at times He apparently carries us as well!

Additionally the verb traditionally incorporates the picture of "leading a flock to a place of rest."

Indeed, "He leadeth me."

Sheep, more than many other animals, have little sense of direction! They cannot find their own way back home!

They do not sense their surroundings, not like a migratory bird for example. No inbred compass!

They are designed, created, to be led by a shepherd!

Those who care for flocks and have done so for years tell us that sheep will graze and eat their carefully provided grass, ever nudging closer and closer to some nearby cliff, a precipice ... not noticing the encroaching danger!

They, carelessly but "full," they will topple over the embankment to their deaths!

Again, they must be led!

No wonder God likens us to sheep!

Let us thank God today for his Leadership!

Oh, how we need to keep our eyes on Him, our dear Shepherd! Even to the point we can follow the direction of His Eyes! "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." Psalm 32:8, word for word.

Jesus, teaching us to pray, says it's proper to still ask God for right direction! "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." The closing petition of the model prayer, Matthew 6:13.

Stay near the Shepherd!

Follow His Steps!

After all, He is the Good Shepherd.

The Great Shepherd.

And even the Chief Shepherd!

           --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

PS - He calls Himself the Good Shepherd in John 10:11 and 14. He is called the Great Shepherd in Hebrews 20. And the Chief Shepherd in 1 Peter 5:4.

LESSON 12, STILL WATERS:

Today's phrase from Psalm 23 is "still waters." As in "He leadeth me beside the still waters."

Sheep must have water! It's essential. Their little bodies are comprised of 70% water in fact! And when the lambs get thirsty, rest is impossible. They pace and fret until that thirst is slaked!

Some of the sheep's "water" needs can be met by the heavy dews that fall in shepherd country. By the way, in the Bible "dew" is often a symbol for the Holy Spirit! Spiritually speaking, thirsty for Him!

But the dew must be supplemented with actual pools of "water" too, a symbol of the Word of God!

Our Lord is the Provider of all we need in this area. Dew and Water, the Spirit and the Word!

The "still waters," Jesus is our Water of Life!

Jeremiah 50:7 calls our God "the 'habitation' of justice!" And that noun twice in the King James Bibles means "sheepcote!" The Dwelling Place of the little lambs! He is our Pasture! He is our Water! He is our Shepherd!

"Blessed are they that hunger AND THIRST after righteousness." Drinking from those "still waters!"

Jeremiah 2:13 literally calls God "the Fountain of living waters!" What a lovely word picture!

We are told that sheep fear rushing, noisy water. So ... "He leadeth me beside the still waters." Suggesting that someone, the overseer, the shepherd, has carefully reworked a moving stream, damming it where necessary, to provide a quiet drinking place for his sheep!

What lovely thoughts today!

About two words from what's maybe the greatest Poem ever written, "still waters."

Thank You, Lord!

            --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 13, HE RESTORETH MY SOUL:

One of the most captivating clauses in the twenty-third Psalm undoubtedly is "He restoreth my soul." What does that mean?

One commentator, a shepherd himself, gives this literal explanation. Sheep often, it seems, especially when their wool is long and gets dirty and matted with foreign matter, can "topple" over on their sides, eventually rolling completely up-side down! Once that happens, he or she can NOT get himself arighted!

In that condition no lamb or ewe or ram can live very long! Their bodies bloat, swell, and constrict their heart functions! Their little legs cramp! They, in the hot sun, can quickly dehydrate and die of thirst too!

The shepherds often refer to that position as a sheep being "cast down!" Easy to understand why!

Burt a good shepherd, an alert and caring overseer, will spot those suffering sheep and quickly go "restore" them to an upright position.

Gently loving them as they turn them back over! Rubbing those numb legs, massaging them so the blood is flowing again, ending the cramps. Consequently reducing the abdominal pressure, allowing freedom of breath too!

And so David, being a caretaker of sheep himself, says the Lord "restores" our souls as well!

Have you, dear reader, ever been spiritually "cast down?"

Have you ever needed "restoration?"

Has your world ever looked "up-side down?"

Then ... aren't you delighted that you have such a good, observant, loving SHEPHERD watching over your needs, your condition, your best interests?

Praise the Lord!

              --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

"He restoreth my soul," Psalm 23:3, just the first half of the verse. Tomorrow we might have a second lesson on this clause alone! It has other meanings in addition to the one I discussed with you today.

LESSON 14, HE RESTORETH MY SOUL AGAIN:

The verb "restoreth" in Psalm 23:3 is "shub," a common action word used over 1,065 times in the Old Testament! Most often it simply means "to turn back."

When David wrote of our great Shepherd, "He restoreth my soul," the Psalmist meant that our Lord can come to us, find us, and "turn us back" to Him, to Safety ... when we err, when we stray!

Shepherds aplenty tell of certain sheep who are wayward. Who do not stay with the fold. Who even at night jump fence and roam the countryside. Who expose themselves to untold danger! More importantly, who "teach" other lambs to be wild as well!

I've read several accounts where the rebellion became so strong, so persistent, too many nights away from the flock, too many times "lost" in the wilderness ... that the Shepherd had to do something, rather drastic too! If not for the one little fellow's sake ... for the sake of the whole group.

He took his little flock member, and deliberately broke one of her legs! Thereby rendering night flight, that habitual self-centered jaunting about, impossible!

Yes, the shepherd did so tenderly, as much as possible, just one hard jerk! And then immediately applied a splint to facilitate healing. But of course further prohibiting all that "roaming" away from home!

In essence, the competent caretaker of his flock "restores" the careless lamb, even though sternly!

Reminds me of the "one little lost lamb" in Jesus' Luke 15 parable about the prodigal son! The 99 "good" sheep are left for a while ... until the shepherd searches diligently and finds that 1 little wayward, lost creature and lovingly "restores" him to the flock! Carrying him on his shoulders, loving it all the way home!

"He restoreth my soul," a deeper meaning yet again today!

What a wonderful Shepherd we have!

            --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 15, HE LEADETH ME, THE IMPORTANCE OF BIBLE VERBS:

Twice in three verses Psalm 23 reminds us that our great Shepherd, the Lord, "leads" us according to his Will. First, He leads us beside the still waters. Then also He leads us in the paths of righteousness.

Yes today's clause, our short text from that wonderful Psalm, specifically states: "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his Name's sake." Psalm 23:3

Why the repetition, about His "leading" His flock?

So close together?

Concerning His leadership?

Just one verb in English, "to lead," spelled identically.

But two different verbs in Hebrew, spelled differently!

And with different meanings as well, at least slightly so. Clearly two separate "nuances" of emphasis.

"Nahal," the verb of verse two, means "to lead" in the sense of "caring and loving and resting and comforting." Once it even means "carried," as "on His Shoulders!" Soft and sweet!

But "nachah," today's verb, means "to lead" in a much stronger sense. The "tenderness" aspect is missing! Rather "nachah" is once translated in the King James Bible "govern," Psalm 67:4. "O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah." Wow!

Our Shepherd is now leading us ... like a King, like an autocrat!

Verse two ... sweetly we are taken to the still waters! 

Then verse three ... firmly we are led in the paths of righteousness!

What do I "read" into this? What's the Holy Spirit telling us, teaching us? Perhaps this: still waters are needed, but sheep can find moisture elsewhere. From the plenteous dew that falls every morning in Israel, for example.

BUT righteousness ... that's an absolute essential! It's demanded of the Believer! Leadership toward righteous living will be forthcoming from our dear Lord, our kind Shepherd, without doubt!

Righteousness is not an option!

I am so glad He "leads" us that way!

"He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his Name's sake."

More tomorrow about this clause, Lord willing!

             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 16, THE "PATHS" IN WHICH HE LEADS US:

The "paths" of righteousness?

Yes, our Shepherd leads us there, in those paths. "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Psalm 23:3

Ways that please God, no doubt. That are "right" or "straight" in His Eyes, not "crooked" ways at all.

But I'm captivated by the little noun "paths."

Usually it would be a translation of the simple Hebrew noun "derek." But here it is "magal," another word altogether. This one meaning "trenches!" Paths that have been used so often they are worn, no more grass. Little indentures, low places across the land, from point "a" to point "b."

The implication is that God leads us in similar directions, all who are in his flock. His ways do not change. His "paths" stay the same!

Dozens, hundreds, thousands, millions before us have walked, followed, these same "paths."

What are they?

Likely the Beatitudes list those paths!

So do the Ten Commandments!

And the list of the "Fruit of the Spirit" too!

And maybe the most "classic" grouping of all, Second Peter 1:5-8. "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

His "paths."

Think about them today.

Walk in them too.

Better yet, follow His Steps there.

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 17, FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE:

The Verse does not say that the Lord leads us in paths of righteousness for our names' sake! Though our benefit is certainly one of His concerns. What it does say is this: "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Psalm 23:3

The Hebrew is strong here, "lemaan shem." Literally meaning "on account of His Name!" Or "to the intent His Name be honored," more loosely defined. Or exactly as our Bibles say, "for the sake of His Name." All these thoughts are parallel, equivalent really.

The condition of the sheep, reflecting on the quality of the Shepherd! What a thought, a Biblical thought!

The lives we pursue, the ways we follow ... either uplifting or detracting in regard to His Name, His ineffable Name!

I, as a member of His flock, want to be "in" His Will, "in" His Pleasure ... just because it brings honor and glory to my Lord!

Go where He leads you, friend.

Be submissive to His Guidance.

He knows how to tell His own little children "yes" or "no," concerning the decisions of life.

Seek ... then follow His Wisdom!

Again, for His Great Name's Sake!

Throughout Scripture, especially the Old Testament Prophets, the Name of the Lord is paramount. That HE be known! That HE be respected! That HE be heard! That HE be obeyed! That He be recognized above all!

"For His Names' Sake!"

Amen!

          --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 18, THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, THE HUMAN SIDE:

The fourth Verse of Psalm 23 begins: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."

What thoughts, what peace!

In context David has penned these thoughts with a little lamb in mind. A member of a blessed flock, with a dynamic, loving Shepherd! The Lord, in reality!

We will look at that "local color" tomorrow morning, in the Thursday lesson, Lord willing.

But for today our thoughts will be applied to us humans! "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." Yes, we die too!

I suspect this verse has been quoted innumerable times through the thirty centuries of its life!

Many of them at "low" times in life. Just before death, in fact. That's why it's called the "valley" of the shadow of death. The Hebrew noun "gay" (pronounced ga'-ee) dramatically means "a narrow gorge." Like a very "steep valley."

Death, "the grim reaper."

Death, often described as having a "sting."

Death which, we are told, will be "victor" over us all ... some day.

No doubt, the experience does constitute a "valley."

But it lacks "substance," at least for the one who has the Lord as His Shepherd, Protector, Guild, Lover!

It's merely a "shadow!" Interestingly, "shadow of death" is only one word in Hebrew, though blended. "Tzsalmaveth" literally means "shade, dark place" of "mortality." As if death merely comes near us, never actually "molesting" us! Only its cold, dark "shadow" crosses over our bodies!

Why this "limited" view of our final earthly hour?

Because, "I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."

Look!

Something is gone ... fear!

And Someone is present ... the Lord!

"Evil" is a translation of the little noun "ra" in Hebrew, suggesting "injury or malignancy" or even "wickedness!"

 "I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."

Even the preposition "with" is significant! It means "companionship!" Actually "fellowship!" As I die, One will accompany me through the valley, through the darkness, One Who has already been there!

One Who has passed the vale ... and returned!

Amazing! "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."

No wonder Paul later, and skeptically, can ask, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"

Because, excuse the repetition today, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou (Lord) art with me."

Amen!

          --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 19, THE SAME VALLEY, AS VIEW BY THE LITTLE LAMBS:

Psalm 23 is written through the eyes of a little lamb. One who has a great shepherd! Seldom does one see a commentary where this is not the case. (However I did yesterday see a sermon where Psalm 23 was said to give three word pictures: a shepherd, a tour guide and a host at some lavish banquet.) Interesting!

But for today, the sheep metaphor predominates. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."

There comes a time of year for every treasured flock when the shepherd moves them. Leads them from the just depleted pastures of the lowlands ... upward to higher ground, to more verdent, plentiful food. To the uplands, the "tablelands," which are only accessible via some steep "valley" pass. Truly a march through dangerous territory!

These "climbs" are so perilous they are literally at times called treks through "valleys of death."

A thunderstorm with accompanying torrents of rain could drown a flock in minutes ... as they traversed such a valley.

Or one predator, a single coyote for example, could devastate a flock so closely concentrated.

This is a time when sheep need the security of a shepherd, maybe more than ever.

So the shepherd is addressed! "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." 

If the shepherd is present ... the sheep are at peace!

And safe!

And obviously, joyful!

Folks, the "valley" will come.

It's part of life, for sheep and for humans too!

And the Shepherd's care makes all the difference in the world!

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."  

Amen      

             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 20, "FOR THOU ART WITH ME:"

"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."

I know it's taking a while to cover this little Psalm, the "Twenty-Third" as it's sometimes called. But still, one of its little clauses has captivated my attention.

The ending words of the "walking through the valley of the shadow of death" thought, where the Lord is addressed: "For Thou art with me." Psalm 23:4c

The preposition "with" used here is quite strong. It's spelled "imad" in Hebrew and certainly means "with," but in this sense: "fellowship!" One lexicon adds "companionship!"

He is with me ... all the time! Communing with me!

Yes, our Shepherd Who says, "And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:20

And Jesus also has promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5

Fellowship!

Companionship!

Even more so, the "cognates," grammatical relatives, of our little preposition carry ideas like: "standing, remaining, enduring," truly being "with" someone!

Also "imad" is not very far from the noun that means a "pillar," amazing! See the linkage?

In the valley ... He is WITH us!

On the mountain ... He is WITH us!

In fact, as already written in the Word, He is always WITH us!

Amen.

                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 21, THY ROD, O LORD:

Psalm 23:4 specifically mentions a shepherd's "rod" and staff." Here's the whole sentence: "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."

Today I'd like to discuss just the "rod." The Hebrew noun used here is "shebet," meaning "branch," as a small limb from a tree. Ten times in the Old Testament it's translated "sceptre," hinting at royalty! Including Numbers 24:14, which is clearly Messianic! "I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth."

Yes, Jesus is our Rod! Our Star too!

Wow!

For that matter, the very first time "rod" or "shebet" is mentioned in the Biuble, Genesis 49:19, it also has "hints" of the coming Redeemer! "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be."

Amen!

And in Esther, behind the King's hand and heart, stands our great Lord, controlling everything! "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre." Esther 5:2, for those of you who know the story.

Again, here's Esther 8:4. "Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, and said ...." That "rod" was comfort for sure!

The God who rules the world, using His "rod," is also the God who walks with me day after day, as my Shepherd! "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre." Psalm 45:6

Hey little sheep of the Lord's pasture, He is still holding that "rod!" Though we've gone from Hebrew to Greek, it's still "sceptre!" Hebrews 1:8 says: "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom."

Yes.

I never realized the "rod" had that much Scriptural data associated with it. Next lesson, Lord willing, we'll talk about a shepherd and how he uses his rod to interact with his flock!

And we'll just see "Jesus" all over again! Just like today's installment did! After all, He is The Shepherd!

             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 22, THAT "ROD" AGAIN, LITERALLY:

Today let's discuss the shepherd's "rod," the one mentioned in Psalm 23. "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Last week I read where one shepherd actually said that his rod was "an extension" of his right hand! That it could do things "beyond" his own natural ability, when exercised properly. Beyond his reach!

Even after God called Moses and Aaron to lead the Israelites from slavery to liberty, they often had in their possession a shepherd's rod. Which God turned into a "teaching tool" on several occasions. See Exodus 7:10 for an example.

God's "rod" can instruct us then.

But on occasion the shepherd "disciplines" his sheep, especially the more wayward ones, with that rod. Yes, these men were good at "aiming" and "throwing" their rods, merely shortened trunks of little trees, cut and shaped for such a purpose. That can "redirect" an erring lamb's path! Or associate a bit of pain with his or her disobedience!

God's "rod" also can then chasten us.

One writer says he's observed shepherds "counting" their sheep that way, gently laying it on each of their heads as they pass by in review.

I'm so glad our Shepherd has us "counted" as well! Yes, if saved, we are "in" the flock!

Then the rod is occasionally used to "examine" a little lamb as well. Looking for pests and sores and scabs, no doubt.

Our great Shepherd too knows the precise state of His flock! We are under His watchful care indeed!

Then, perhaps most dramatically of all, the rod is used to "protect" the sheep. Many an approaching predator, cougar or lion or coyote, has been deterred, killed, by that flying shape-edged rod!

Wow!

Goodness!

Mercy!

Think of all He does for us, our dear Saviour, under the quaint emblem of the "rod!"

Thank God. "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."

                   --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 23, THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF:

Yes, Psalm 23 also mentions a shepherd's "staff." One of his most critical pieces of equipment, as he cares for his flock. "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

The noun for "staff" is spelled "mishenah" and appears only 12 times in the Old Testament. In 11 of those places it's translated "staff" and once "stave." It comes from a word meaning "support." And it's verbal parent means "to lean upon" a person or thing!

"Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

Thy "staff," O Lord!

How does a shepherd use his staff?

Just as the "rod" implies "authority," even "discipline" at times, the "staff" implies "love and kindness and caring" for one's sheep!

The staff is often used to pull, draw, the flock members closer together, to encourage one-ness in the pasture! Our great Shepherd too longs for us to be "as one" in the Body of Christ!

At times a special caretaker will just lay his staff on the body of a particular lamb, "touching" it and establishing sweet fellowship thereby! Even as they "walk" to the next pasture! Has the Lord ever "touched" you with His inspiring kindness? With His Hand of omnipotence? Walking by your side?

Also the staff is used to "rescue" a little sheep from some dangerous place! Gently hooked around his little neck, pulling him to safety!

And this "staff" does what else? "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

Yes, it "comforts" me!

In Hebrew "comfort" means "to console." Spelled "nacham," it's actually the word for "having pity, being overcome with compassion!" In English "comfort" means "with strength" literally, "emboldening" someone to do the task at hand!

Now let's put our whole verse together, the sum of several Lessons. "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."

Wow!

What a Saviour!

What a Shepherd!

No wonder they call Him, Scripture labels Him ... "good" then "great" then "chief," all three adjectives being directly ascribed to our great Lord Jesus Christ, the Shepherd of our souls!

              --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 24, A PREPARED TABLE:

We are enjoying a little "journey" through Psalm 23, perhaps the Bible's best-known chapter. Verse 5 is our starting point in this lesson. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."

First we must discuss this "table!" It's something "prepared," obviously. That means it's carefully "arranged, placed in order, furnished." In Hebrew "arak" means "to ordain" twice and "to array" twenty-six more times.

A well-endowed table!

This metaphor is taken by a few Bible teachers to imply that the "sheep" are no longer the focus in our Psalm. That we now are invited "guests" at a grand "banquet." Where food and drink are abundant and our host anoints us with oil, fragrance!

That's possible of course, but I'm sticking with the shepherd/flock picture with which the chapter clearly begins.

Then, agriculturally speaking, what is this "table?"

In Hebrew it's "shulchan," which is translated "table" all seventy times it appears in the Bible. But its background, etymologically speaking, is unusual. It derives from "shalach," meaning "to send" or "to send away," and is so used over 614 times in the Old Testament!

This word history surely holds us to the "shepherd" interpretation of our text. Times come during the grazing year that any flock of sheep depletes their original pasture lands. And a good caretaker has to "take them away" to new fields of green grass!

Or else ... they will completely destroy the first feeding ground! First devouring every single blade of grass, then eating the very underground roots, by then nearly starving in the process!

So ... off we go ... to the "table lands." To higher ground! To greener grass and purer waters! And not just "sent" by the shepherd either, but "accompanied" by him, thankfully.

Wow, "Thou preparest a table before me ...."

Thank you, Lord, for feeding us so very well!

For Thy Word, its nourishing qualities.

For its tastiness and variety and power to enrich spiritually!

What a table we have to enjoy!

And what a Chef, I mean Shepherd!

             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 25, IN THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES:

Yes, He prepares for us a table … in the presence of our enemies! Why this qualification? I’m of course referring to Psalm 23:5. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”

Culturally in the ancient Near East if a man would sit down and eat a meal with you, sharing “salt” on the meat, he could hno longer be your enemy! He was thereafter bound to “be at peace” with you all his days! The Psalmist may have that tradition in mind here. Turning enemies into friends!

Agriculturally here the shepherd is removing any harmful elements that might threaten the flock as they begin eating on the higher “table” lands … recently accessed via the valley below. Shepherds literally work these new fields, removing snakes and poisonous vegetation.

Practically our phrase means that the presence of the shepherd is so powerful, so dramatic, so comforting that the sheep can eat … trusting their caregiver to protect them whatever betides!

My enemies would kill me!

My Shepherd will guard me!

My enemies would feed me noxious food.

My Shepherd will nourish me, under any circumstances!

Hallelujah!

                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Today’s Lesson, those few words … in the presence of mine enemies … nearly constitute an answer to the prayer voiced in Psalm 86:17. “Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.”

Amen!

LESSON 25, ANOINTED WITH OIL:

We have arrived at the well-known "Thou anointest my head with oil" clause in Psalm 23. These words poetically involve a literary device known as "personification."

A little lamb, or an adult ewe, some member of a blessed flock of sheep, is speaking! He or she is talking to the shepherd! Bragging on the good care received day by day! Night by night too!

"Thou anointest my head with oil"

Two practical "sheep" duties are in view here, at least two. Let me tell you about them, based on research I've done.

The flock invariably becomes bothered and often infested with pests of various kinds. Some of these flying little things, insects, land on the sheep's noses, climb up their moist nostrils and begin to live! They cause itching, irritating and ultimately, infection. They can make a lamb rub its little head so hard against a tree or fence post ... that episodes of bleeding can occur! And with that more infection ... and death in extreme situations.

So a careful shepherd diligently mixes a solution of "oil" and various natural "repellants" to deter this "nose-fly" infestation. And then "anoints" that flock accordingly! On their heads! With that medicinal salve!

A "picture" of the Holy Spirit covering and protecting us who are saved, by the way! Protecting us too from the "pests" of the world, the flesh and the devil!

We will never know until we get to Heaven all the Spirit of God has done for us and to us and on our behalf!

No wonder "oil" is one of the Bible's most complete "pictures" of Him, the Spirit's, operation. His "Person and Work," the theologians say.

I think I'll wait until tomorrow to share with you the second function of the "anointing with oil" process.

It's interesting too.

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 26, THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, HIS ANOINTING:

Some of the clauses of Psalm 23 are heavily loaded with meaning! I mean two and three layers deep. And verse five's "Thou anointest my head with oil" is certainly included.

Men who have tended sheep for many years tell us of a custom that is inherent to any flock. It's called the establishment of a "butting order," an annual ritual among the rams.

These young men "fight" each other to gain the attention of the girls, the "ewes," in the pasture! They literally "butt heads!" Until the strongest one is left standing! He then gets the mate of his choice!

One caretaker, overseer, tells us they hit so hard that permanent head injury can occur. Even death in extreme cases.

What's a shepherd to do?

He "anoints" their heads with oil, with thick oil, with grease!

This reduces the friction, the force, the trauma of a "direct hit" on the head from a charging ram! And if that ram is also "anointed," he cannot do the damage he once could either!

And this act alone, clearly a labor of love by the shepherd, tends to greatly reduce the animosity among the sheep!

"Thou anointest my head with oil."

Yes, the Lord, via His Holy Spirit, Who is many times typified as "oil" in the Bible, "anoints" us too!

And the Spirit reduces the "friction" between us as well, members of the Lord's flock!

Further protecting us from each other!

Causing calm to again prevail in the grasslands!

No need to fight if you can't get a direct "hit!"

Wow!

And the Fruit of the Spirit is ... among other wonderful traits ... PEACE!

So anoint us, dear Lord.

              --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

The more Holy Spirit we enjoy ... the less infighting we will do!

LESSON 27, MY CUP RUNNETH OVER:

Psalm 23 continues with one gorgeous word picture after another! Today, a little lamb to his shepherd, "My cup runneth over." Psalm 23:5, the last clause there.

The word "cup" is spelled "kos" in Hebrew. It's from an ancient verb meaning "to hold together." That's what a cup does ... to liquid even! It's simply a container, both preserving and making available some critical need of life!

The verb "runneth over" translates "revayah," suggesting "saturation." It's cognate means "to drink to one's fill." To be "drenched, soaked!"

But how does this little clause apply to a flock of sheep? "My cup runneth over." Just four words in English, only two in Hebrew!

Two areas I've discovered.

First, sheep get thirsty. We learned that several days ago as we studied verse two where the "still waters" were mentioned. But this new metaphor is even more personal! Here the shepherd comes to an individual lamb ... and with a cup holds that life-giving drink, letting me sip or gulp ... to my heart's content! Water from the shepherd! Insinuating extreme need, strong thirst, some special situation! By the way, Jesus is our Shepherd! The Water-bringing Jesus! Who said in John 7:38, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."

There is too the Water of God's Word, referenced in Ephesians 5:26. "That He might sanctify and cleanse us with the washing of water by the word." Yes, He does! Our "cups" indeed are running over, amply filled.

Second, back to the sheep. In the Fall of the year, with the flock still out on the range, still eating that luscious green grass, cool nights often come. And on rainy days especially, a lamb can get quite cold, shivering cold. Cold enough to induce sickness, even pneumonia if not given some kind of "therapy."

And here comes the good shepherd. This time with something in his "cup" that can warm and stabilize a little sheep's temperature. Treatment that will ward off sickness! And what does that "cup" now contain? The fruit of the vine! Wine enough to "warm" a little shaking body! To get a lamb or ewe or ram moving again, joyfully leaping and frolicking and playing, no longer cold!

And yes, our Shepherd does this too, for each of us! "My cup runneth over." The Holy Spirit is the "Wine" of joy in our lives! And He produces genuine stability and joy and delight!

Amen!

Pretty words today, being singly given a cupful, maybe cupfuls, of water or wine or whatever the need might be, even the "milk" of God's Word I suspect. Given such by the Lord Jesus Christ, our Mediator in Heaven this very second.

Indeed, members of His flock are ... blessed!

            --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 28, GOODNESS AND MERCY:

"Past performance indicates future behavior." That little adage has been repeated countless times, often quite accurately.

Psalm 23:6 opens with these words, "Surely good and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." What an optimistic worldview!

The verb "follow" is "radaph," meaning "to pursue," being vigorously behind someone! Even "to chase!"

Wow!

The little lamb who has been talking for six verses now (the whole of Psalm 23) is clearly assured of this one thing, his or her shepherd always does what's best!

The Watchman, the Tender of the flock, the Caregiver ... has never failed to provide exactly what was needed. The sheep "have no wants." Back to Psalm 23:1, if you remember.

Therefore, indeed, based on past performance ... "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." A very logical, reasonable assumption!

The nouns "goodness" and "mercy" are synonyms. The first, "tob" in Hebrew, has a wide range of meaning. That which is "pleasant, agreeable, appropriate, valuable, prosperous, happy, beautiful," even "precious" a few times!

And the second, "mercy," basically means "kindness." Especially in the King James Version it's rendered "lovingkindness." Also "pity, favour," and it even includes the idea of "faithfulness" as well!

Yes, hard times may come.

But never without the good Shepherds' watch-care.

And never without their ultimately leading to more verdant fields, more nourishing pastures, of "goodness and mercy!"

What a Shepherd!

              --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 29, GOODNESS AND MERCY, WHAT A TESTIMONY:

Psalm 23, according to most Bible teachers, is a beautiful Poem depicting the life of a flock of sheep, at least for their first year of existence. Sheep who are well provisioned, by an extremely caring shepherd.

Near the end of the paragraph, one of the lambs or ewes or rams editorially proclaims: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." Psalm 23:6a

Indeed, with the Lord Jesus being our Shepherd, we as His followers too have enjoyed much goodness and mercy!

But what does that exact clause mean, when used in reference to agriculture, to horticulture, to the world of a real shepherd?

Whenever a flock is carefully moved from one pasture to another, having depleted the grass in the former and having been led to the latter for even more nourishing food ... the field left behind is either in better or worse shape than ever!

If the flock has been shepherded correctly, allowed to eat all the grass but not gnawing into the roots underneath that grass ... a field is left fertilized and ready to grow new pasturage for next year!

If the flock has been neglected, starved to the point they did eat the roots under the already consumed grass ... soil erosion will occur. And a field can be lost to any future use ... for years really!

My point?

Well handled flocks then leave behind them goodness and renown and prosperity (goodness and mercy) for all the neighbors to see. While destitute flocks leave behind them ruin and devastation!

A good shepherd, properly providing for his flock ... will indeed aid, not hinder, his surroundings!

Then, literally, it can be said by the sheep, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives."

Amen!

           --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Such should be accurately said about us Christians too, our Churches and homes and families. Let us also leave behind ... feelings and thoughts of "goodness and mercy," not resentment and regret!

LESSON 30, THE HOUSE OF THE LORD:

"And I will dwell in the House of the Lord for ever." So ends Psalm 23, perhaps the best-known chapter in all the Bible.

Written as a poem, an elongated poetic metaphor it might be called, these words are spoken by a little lamb, or maybe a grown sheep, who is completely satisfied with his or her shepherd!

A shepherd who has met every need in his flock's lives.

He has removed their fears. And fed their tummies. And repelled their aggravating pests. And killed their attacking enemies.

He has kept them in good health, too.

Yes ... "The LORD has been their shepherd; they have not wanted. He made them to lie down in green pastures: he guided them beside the still waters. He restored their souls: he led them in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though they walked through the valley of the shadow of death, they have feared no evil: for He has been with me; His rod and His staff comforted them. He furthermore prepared a table before them in the presence of their enemies. He even anointed their heads with oil; and their cups have consistently run over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow them all the days of their lives."

Wow, what a testimony! What satisfaction! And on the part of the shepherd, what sufficiency!

No wonder they, in closing, surmise: "And we will dwell in the House of the Lord, our Lord, for ever."

They love him so much, their shepherd, they want to be near him the rest of their days! To be under his care. To be watched by his eyes.

And so should we who are saved feel too! Regarding our Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ!

Each of us should voice, and mean: "And I will dwell in the House of the Lord for ever."

He's been that good!

More tomorrow about that House, God willing.

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 31, THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:

The twenty-third Psalm ends, "And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." The last clause of verse six.

That initial little verb, "to dwell," actually means "to be at  home" in some place! To remain there, to abide in its shadows! No longer a pilgrim or stranger or foreigner!

The noun "house" is a codeword for one's whole "household." Jesus, our Shepherd, mentioned "His Father's House" on one occasion. That's where we, members of His flock, are going!

In Jesus' sheepfold!

The one He is building! "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." John 10:16

Heaven is not nearly as emphasized in Scripture as a mere "place of beauty," as it is a "place of fellowship." Heaven is Heaven because of Who is there! Our Shepherd being the Main Example!

And David elsewhere mentions the House of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord. "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple." Psalm 27:4

Wow!

So, Psalm 23 both begins and ends with the LORD!

Do you know Him?

Is He your, personally so, Shepherd?

Are you under His Care?

Are you satisfied with the thought of being with Him eternally?

The House of the Lord!

One more Passage. "Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." Psalm 73:23-24

Going Home!

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell