Shepherd

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want…” (Psalm 23:1).

The Lord is my Shepherd (Eastman Johnson)

The other day I was overwhelmed by a problem.

There was something that had happened – something beyond my control – and this thing was causing me a great deal of trouble.  Often – I find – the biggest problems are created when another human being makes a choice that is unsatisfactory and this choice has a deliberate and negative impact on my life.

As I was reflecting on the problem and trying to reason my way around it, I was suddenly reminded of the words of the beautiful Psalm…

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” (Psalm 23:1-6).

And I began to think of what that really means in real terms.  After all, the Lord is my Shepherd is a declaration of faith and a declaration of loyalty.  And when I say these words, what I am really saying is that I will choose to follow my Lord and God as a sheep follows the shepherd.  And sheep are very stupid creatures.  They cannot think their way out of trouble.  They cannot defend themselves from predators.  They cannot sheer their own wool or find their own food.  Instead, their shepherd guides them to their food and water and shelter.  He makes sure they are shorn and at night He protects them.

And this is what I am saying when I recite this Psalm.  I am saying to God – fix it please.  I am bleating like a sheep.  I am not trying to rationalise my way out of a problem.  I am sitting still in the midst of the flock and surrendering everything to my God.

And this is what Christ did on this day.  He did not use His wit or rhetorical skills to argue with his oppressors.  He did not use His Divine Powers to come down from the Cross.  He did not even use His charisma to draw His followers to Him.  Instead, He followed the Shepherd like a sheep to the slaughter.  And He did it meekly as a sheep is meek.  And He did not do this because He was not strong enough to fight back.  And He did not do this because He was not clever enough to argue.  And He did not even do this because He was compelled to do it.  He did all of this meekly and like a sheep, so that I would know…  “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want…”

For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.