What if you were a sheep in the midst of wolves? Psalm 23 can perhaps best be read from that point of view. It is a psalm of trust for those who go through hard times, “the darkest valley” (NRSV), on the brink of death. It is encouragement for vulnerable ones, for those who are scared or discouraged or alone.
We live in troubled times where people are sometimes understandably feeling in the dark. We hear of the stories of senseless brutality toward black men in Georgia and Minnesota and we are challenged in believing life is good for all. We have friends or family members who are suffering from sickness or job loss or loneliness and we know there is great darkness in the world. The “wolves” are howling all about.
This is why it is good news for us sheep that we have a Good Shepherd is with us at all times. The shepherd uses the rod to pull back the sheep when they get in dangerous places—like a ravine—to keep them safe. The shepherd acts to stop the sheep when they get in danger just like a parent or grandparent would discipline a loved one if they run into the line of traffic. The rod is also used to comfort a sheep, softly pulling them close like we find alternative ways to extend care to our loved ones while we are socially distancing.
It also helps to take a New Testament view of the 23
rd
psalm and to realize that our Good Shepherd suffers with us. Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes in Prayerbook of the Bible: “Whoever knows that God has entered into our suffering in Christ Jesus himself may say with great confidence: “For you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
In the musical Into the Woods the baker and Cinderella sing a song that encapsulates the whole work’s theme, “s
ometimes people leave you. Halfway through the wood.
Others may deceive you. You decide what’s good. You decide alone. But no one is alone.”
Ultimately, “the Lord is my constant companion…He is by my side. He is ever present with me. He is close beside me…He will never let me go.” (Leslie Brandt, Psalms Now)
Let us pray:
Good Shepherd, may we always remember we are never alone. Amen.
*For an alternative devotional on Psalm 23, see Deanna Heise’s May 1
st
posting
here
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Pastor Roger
Tomorrow: Psalm 51
