Monday, April 22, 2013

OT: Psalm 23

Old Testament Reading

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.

Old Testament Commentary

No matter our trials or tribulations, this Psalm of David should always comfort us.  "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want!"  What need we when Christ our Good Shepherd is near?  With His living waters, He quenches the desire of all who thirst to be forgiven.  He also leads us in the path of righteousness, namely the straight and narrow path to heaven, which is by His grace alone, "for His name's sake".  Even when danger of death draws near, "I will fear no evil, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me."  His Word is our stay.  His law reveals what is right and good in His sight, and His Gospel not only absolves us of all sin, but gives our hearts strength to do His good will.  And even though we live in a world of enemies, "Thou preparest a table before me".  Even when we have only a little, our cup runs over, for we are rich in grace.  "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."

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