May 11, 2012 – Psalms 23 – 24

Take 2 separate lines from the two psalms and you really get a sense of protection.  24:8 – The Lord, a mighty warrior, the Lord, mighty in battle.  23:4 – I fear no harm for you are at my side, your rod and staff give me courage.  Having a mighty warrior beside you would give you courage.  Psalm 23 is famous as the Good Shepherd’s Psalm, but we don’t often associate shepherd’s with mighty warriors.  This would be another reason God made David such a huge figure in the history leading to Christ.  David was a shepherd/warrior.  And although when we imagine Jesus as the Good Shepherd we often see Him peacefully holding a lamb, we should not forget that He is also going to be the mighty warrior who aggressively battles the wolf to protect the lamb.   Have you ever thought about the Crucifixion as a battle.  David defeated the lion to save the sheep and survived.  Picture it slightly different.  Imagine David in close battle with the lion, with only a knife.  He would have been clawed and bit and bloodied.  He may have eventually defeated the lion, but he was out all alone in the hills with no help.  Imagine if his injuries killed him.  He did save the sheep, but gave his life to do it and did so in a very bloody way with much suffering.  Now, reflect on Good Friday and what Christ the Good Shepherd did to save us.  He did rise on the third day, but that didn’t make the sacrifice any less.