Today we move on to “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Mr Keller tells us that sheep must be free from all disturbing influences in order for them to lie down and rest. He says, “It is significant that to be at rest there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravations, and hunger. The unique aspect of the picture is that it is only the sheepman himself who can provide release from these anxieties.” (p42) He continues, “A flock that is restless, discontented, always agitated and disturbed never does well. And the same is true of people.” (p42) We are all in desperate need for rest, are we not? And what we must understand is that this can only come from our Good Shepherd. The more we try to find this contentment for ourselves, in this world, apart from God, it will be as temporary as the manner with which we are seeking it. Temporary beings living in a temporary world can only offer temporary rest. But God? The Eternal One? Now we are talking about real rest.
Let’s take each of these “disturbing influences” one at a time. First, Mr Keller talks about fear in general. He says that sheep are easily panicked, and at the first sight of the unknown one sheep will run away as fast as possible, spurring others to follow suit. Injury is possible as they flee, especially when ewes are carrying lambs, as their flight can cause premature births and abortions. All of these cost the sheepman much in way of stock. He says that he learned to walk among his sheep, even at night, which caused his flock to feel safe and secure. This should be true for us Christians as well. The ever present God is always with us, so we should feel safe and secure, no matter what happens. Mr Keller says, “There is nothing like Christ’s presence to dispel the fear, panic, the terror of the unknown.” (p44) He rightly says we live in a world of unknowns. We cannot be like sheep who run and try to escape all challenges. And it is because our Good Shepherd is always with us that we can find rest. When we remember Jesus is with us, it changes our whole perspective. We are filled with Hope and we can face whatever comes, because we trust He will provide, help and guide. The world apart from Him is dark and scary, but with Him? He is our Light so we can see more clearly that God is working it all together for our good. We can rest and not fear when our Shepherd is near!
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
<>< Peace, Diane
