JOURNAL ~ PsalmsНамуна

GREEN MEADOWS, DARK VALLEY, AND A FULL COURSE GOURMET BANQUET - Day 5

Up to this point, Psalm 23 has taught us that God wants the best for us in life. He is always present with us as our guide, even in times of darkness and pain.

Now, what about the end of the journey? Is the destination worth our trouble? We are told it is indeed! Here, the imagery changes from the shepherd to the host that greets us at the end of the journey. It is a world in which our enemies still pose threats. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. But we are told that God warmly welcomes the pilgrim. This welcome is symbolized by the anointing of the head with perfumed oil. It is a symbol of blessing.  The second sign is the wonderful banquet. God prepares an abundant feast - the kind of feast prepared for a king.  A joyful feast that continues "all the days of my life" says the pilgrim.

David goes on to say: “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." What tremendous confidence in the goodness of God.

When we get to the New Testament we see this Psalm being underlined and put in bold type, with exclamation marks all over. We find out that Jesus tells his disciples: “I am the Good Shepherd.” We find out the fullness of the glory of this compassionate and gracious God, who is slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness - all found in Jesus. We then encounter the risen Jesus who pours out His Holy Spirit, anointing His disciples with the very life of God!

At the end we encounter a wonderful paradox. We are told that the lamb of God is also the Shepherd (Rev 7:17). Just as He told us earlier, He lays down his life for us. The Good Shepherd became the lamb to die for us so that we can join His flock. He continues to give Himself for us through grace.

Our journey in life is often difficult, puzzling and sometimes involves great pain and heartbreak. But God travels with us on our journey to bless us, to redeem us, to guide us and to provide for us. To lavish us with infinite kindness, and to comfort us in all our troubles.  That’s the kind of God that He is!