JRM Sison Chapter - Teachings - The Lord Is My Shepherd

Shepherd, in its strictest meaning, is a tender of sheep. The Bible compares God as our Shepherd and we as His sheep. Let us, for the moment, study the characteristics of a sheep.
     ·     Furry - The sheep, upon first glance, appears big due to its fur. But once you trim its fur, it will reveal its true size; small and almost fragile.
     ·     Nearsighted - Have you tried putting your puppy on top of the table? It won’t jump down else it’ll plummet down the floor, hurting itself. It won’t jump down because it sees the danger that lies ahead. A sheep is a no-no when it comes to seeing danger. Why? Once it sees the danger, it is already too late. The sheep are nearsighted and can not focus very far. They rely on things that are ahead of them; bringing us to another characteristic. They also rely on the bells of their shepherd and his voice and they follow him.
     ·     Follows those who are ahead - Due to their nearsightedness, sheep tend to follow those who are ahead of them, even if it will lead to their impending doom. Thus if the leader of the flock will dive in a cliff, everyone else will follow.

A shepherd, I mean a true shepherd, has his own characteristics. He has an intimate relationship with his sheep. He knows their numbers, their strengths, weaknesses, and knows them by their names. A shepherd cares for his flock. He will protect it no matter what the cost. He will even snatch back a sheep in the grasp of a lion, if needs be. Thus, a true shepherd is a reliable protector and the best guide for his flock.

LIVING PSALM 23
Psalm 23 has been a favorite chapter of Christians all-over, but some of them misunderstood the truth that lies within those verses. We will, as detailed as possible, discuss the major truths that Psalms 23 has.

v. 1aThe Lord is my shepherd…
There is a specific, not general, choice here. The choice, obviously is the Lord. The choice IS made (not will, not shall or not was made). And that choice is making God our Shepherd; making Him our protector, guide, comforter and provider. This choice, however, must be a personal decision not general. Thus, the word “my shepherd”; making our Lord our personal God.

v. 1b I shall not want.
This means that our personal choice is absolute. But the word “shall” enters our lives in times of depression, distress, trouble or temptation; making us wanting someone or something else other than God.

v. 2a He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
This is a very beautiful verse that every Christian must understand. “He maketh me” is a command not a request, i.e. I will make you work. The word “maketh” is a command done with force in the spirit of meekness. “To lie down” is an action that leads to rest. God is actually making us rest! The beauty of this particular verse lies not on God making us relax but to have comfort in “green pastures”. A pasture is what every sheep dream; a place of feeding. And this pasture is no ordinary pasture but an abundant one. The word “green” indicates the richness of that pasture. Not only one green pasture but a multitude of green pastures.
     What is our pasture land? That is our immediate need. God makes us rest and be comforted with His multiple blessings. Talk about abundance.

v. 2b He leadeth me beside the still waters.
God will personally guide us. “He leadeth” means a personal job or work done in somebody’s presence. Thus, the person will know the person who leads or guides. But where will He guide us? Take note of the word “beside”; meaning alongside that is within one’s grasp. 'Still waters' mean undisturbed blessings (Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich; and He addeth no sorrow with it).

v. 3a He restoreth my soul.
Again God, personally, sees to it that we are strengthened and renewed. But take note that the Lord restoreth not our body or spirit but our soul. Soul is where our consciousness lies. It is our personal trait, character, emotions, decisions, our very being. Restoring one’s body does not restore both soul and spirit. Restoring one’s spirit does not restore both soul and body. But restoring one’s soul restores both body and spirit.

v.3b He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
As our Shepherd, the Lord will lead us to many roads to righteousness (His righteousness not ours) that will bring glory to His name. Take note that God loves adoration, and if God is to be adored by other men, His sheep must also be adored. This means that God will personally lead us to honor, as long as we bless His name. Psalms 145:1-2 states that God’s name must be blessed. But how can we bless His name if we can’t show Him through our lives. (1 Peter 1:15-16 ¹⁵ But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; ¹⁶ Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy). It is through our confession and declaration. It is through our mouths will we bless His name.

v.4a Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.
“Yea” is an archaic word meaning yes. In this verse, David included the word yea to indicate that it is indeed the truth; that everything that will transpire (in the following verses) are true. This word implies that if it didn’t happen yet, then it will. “Though” means in spite of the fact. It means that the following verses have a choice for a decisive finish. “I” implies that this is a personal experience and decision. “Walk” indicates our walk of faith in Christ Jesus. Note that it didn’t state “run”, “hide”, “fear”; it absolutely means that in our normal gait of living as Christians, we will not flinch, we will not run, we will not cringe, we will not fear, we will not regret whatever happens. “The valley” implies the certainty of an object. It didn’t say a valley but the valley, thus the valley is known and will not be surprising to us. Valley indicates the deepness of the object. “Of the shadow of death” implies the darkness of death or the problem that comes. A shadow doesn’t hurt anyway, only the bearer of that shadow; meaning that it will not hurt us, it only tries to intimidate us, to scare us into giving up making that shadow as the bearer itself.

As a whole, this verse implies that in our daily lives, it is true that problems come our way. It cannot be avoided and it must be dealt with. We don’t go around it, solving it on our own but we go through the center of the problem allowing God to solve it for us. And though the deepness of that problem is certain, it is only a mere shadow that cannot hurt us. And these things will not be feared or any evil that will come because our God is with us. God will see us through; He will be our sole protector. But it will happen only if we make Him our Shepherd.

v.4b Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Comfort means relief from pain. The shepherd’s rod and staff are used to protect the sheep in any danger, i.e. from wild beasts, from dangerous terrain. Thus, this verse implies that God’s protection and guidance comfort us. Through the Holy Spirit whom Jesus Christ has sent, we will be guided and reminded that lead to our own comfort.

v.5a Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.
In ancient times, feudal wars were common. In the case of the Israelites, they were fighting for the promise of God. And it was common to them that they will hold a feast in honor of their victory. And the victor will present their captives of higher rank in front of them while their captors eat on their tables, showing them their superiority over them.

God’s preparation for a table means abundant preparation; a feast of no comparison. And note that it will be known to all especially to those who loves persecution. God loves attention and through this compensation to His children in front of all men, unbelievers will start to glorify God and their hearts will begin to search for Him and be part of God’s family.

v.5b Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over
There are two truths in this verse that I will try to discuss as brief as possible. First; in ancient times, it was common for a person to be anointed with oil before taking a high position in government. For example, King Saul and King David. Thus, God will honor us in front of men, giving us position and titles that men will acknowledge, not us but God. Through this honor system will God be glorified in the sights of other men.

Second, it was a common term that seeking the pure words of the Lord is like digging for treasures. But some Christians once that treasure (meaning of the words they are studying) is dug up, they tend to slack and rely on what they dug. Do you know what treasures are being used now in our times? It’s oil. Without fuel or oil there is no technology. Almost all our technology relies on oil. And note that once oil is dug up, it is inexhaustible; meaning almost unlimited. The same thing with this verse. Once a verse is dug up really deep, we will not only find treasure but an overflow of treasure. Thus our minds are anointed by God with His overflowing oil (making our cup to run over).

v.6a Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
This verse implies favor; favor in God’s eyes and man’s. Goodness and mercy is an invitation. The word “shall” made this verse a choice; either we accept it or not; acceptance that He will be our Shepherd. Thus God will see to it to whoever asks Him that both favors (God’s and man’s) will be given.

v.6b And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
As God’s children, we became part of His household. And as part of God’s household, we become partakers of whatever is in the house. Thus God has allowed His children (Christians who truly believed with all their hearts that Jesus Christ is their God and Saviour) to have the full blessings and benefits of being part of His great and awesome family.