Psalm 23
This Psalm is probably the most, or the second most, familiar passage in the entire Bible. The only other passage that might be more familiar with the general public is John 3:16. I have a feeling that many don't even know what John 3:16 actually says. They have just seen a sign saying John 3:16 being held up by some guy at a football game.
This Psalm is a Psalm of comfort. It is often read out at funerals to let people feal the realization that their friend or loved one is in the hands of the Good Shepherd as they pass over the veil of death.
The first part of the Psalm lets us know that the Lord watches over us and protects us in this life. Just as a shepherd provides good grazing and fresh water for the members of his flock, so also does the Lord provide for those who are part of the family of God.
In this life, we need the help of the Lord in every circumstance. The Lord generously provides us with food, clothing and gainful employment. He also is there to keep us safe in the midst of the strife that so often surrounds us.
If we are a part of the family of God, we know that His goodness and love will be with us throughout the course of our lives. When we pass from this life, we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Looking at this Psalm from the perspective of a New Testament Christian, we know that Jesus is the Good Shepherd just as He tells us in John 10. He will even leave the 99 sheep in the fold and go out searching for the one sheep that is wandering astray. As Jesus' sheep, we follow Him. His voice leads in the way that we are to go. A stranger's voice we will not follow.
When we die, we know that we will be with Jesus if we have accepted Him as Savior and Lord. Jesus said that He had gone to prepare a place for us. It is comforting to know that our eternity is secure in the Lord.
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