Today we visit a very familiar Psalm, which we already looked at on March 19. The 23rd Psalm is familiar. The lectionary returns to it today because we hear Jesus tell the parable of the Sheepfold, with the promise of abundant life for those who follow the Shepherd.
Reread Psalm 23 and think about the life that is being
described. It is a life full of green pastures, quiet waters, and good paths.
There is protection from danger and a bountiful feast. We receive the promise
of goodness and mercy.
The Epistle (I Peter 2:19-25) states, [we] were going
astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of
your souls. We are going to participate in the feast amid the green
pastures. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like that is possible. News of wars and
violence and injustice can make us afraid. Grief and loss can make us wonder if
God is present. Sickness distracts us from the love of God. I’m sure you can
add your own reasons to doubt that there are green pastures in your future.
However, in the Gospel (John 10:1-10) Jesus promises I
came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. This is true because Jesus
himself is the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in
and go out and find pasture. In Jesus, we find the rich and full life
promised in Psalm 23. What does that abundant life look like to you?
Now midway through the Easter season, we have reason to
remember that we are a Resurrection people. Christ has indeed conquered death
and evil. Therefore, we can be sure God will welcome me as an honored
guest and fill my cup to the brim. We will be guided and protected by
the Shepherd your house will be my home as long as I live.
The Rev. Leslie Scoopmire wrote her version of Psalm 23 that you can read here. She notes, The One Who Sees leads me into verdant, abundant pastures/ filled with all I need, and gives me rest and security/ God restores and refreshes my soul, tending and guarding my inmost being.
We are given all that we need--we just need to be aware of God's presence and provision. In Luke 6:38 Jesus says, Give, and it will be given to
you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be
poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
God loves us so much that we are blessed to overflowing. As this image shows,
some of what is in our cup are the gifts of the Spirit. When we see the
blessings of God in our life, we are more able to face the griefs and dangers
and evils in the world around us.
As the song, sung by the Living Stones Quartet, says, we can pray, “Fill my cup, Lord; I
lift it up Lord; Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.” What do you want God to pour
into your cup?
|
Psalm 23 1 The Lord is
my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Book of Common
Prayer) |
The Lord is my
shepherd; I have everything I need. (Good News Translation) |
The next couple weeks, I won’t be posting as my husband and
I will be on a cruise to the British Isles. See you on May 21.
