PSALM 23
by A l Sanders
S ometimes when it is necessary for shepherds to cross a swollen, turbulent stream, they coax the sheep across in a very interesting manner. The herdsman may use the ruse of taking a little lamb from the protec tion of its mother and carrying it across to the other side. To get to her baby, the mother sheep forgets any danger and crosses, and by and by is followed by the rest of the flock. This reminds us of the fact that sometimes God has to take that which is most precious to us in order that we may forget ourselves and be willing to follow Him. God has a perfect pathway which He has des ignated for every one of His children. The Lord is not going to take you some place where He has not already gone Himself. The butcher drives the sheep to the slaughter house, while the shepherd leads them to the fold. The words, “He leadeth me,” make a demand on our faith. Don’t be self- willed or impetuous but rather await His time; He’ll give you His best, you can be sure. “He leadeth me in the paths of righ teou sn ess.” One translation makes this read, “in the wagon ruts.” It sounds on the surface a little dif ficult to understand. It does make sense, however, when we realize that in David’s time, the wagons they used generally had wheels about a foot wide. As they turned down the way, they made quite a wide path themselves. The ruts would wear deeper, wider, smoother. Because of this, people would often try to walk in the soft wagon ruts. The sheep too liked to walk this way because usually there were no sharp stones to hurt their feet, since they had been pulverized previously by the wheels. The Lord says, “I’m going
to lead you in the path that is the providential one, just right for you.” Moffat’s translation sugg ests “He keeps me on the right track.” Have you ever, stopped to realize that there’s no passage in the Word of God where we’re ever cautioned against trusting the Lord too much? Verse four is one of the most fa miliar portions of Scripture, and cer tainly stands out in this particular chapter. How often it’s been repeated in th e difficult circumstances of death. There are many tragedies to life, and yet for the one who had the Lord as his Shepherd, there is a settled confidence that in these difficult moments of life, the Saviour will always be with us. You see, we have the blessed understanding that the Shepherd Himself went this way once before. He tasted death for all men. Death need hold no dread or fear for us.
Mr. Frank Watson (center), member of the Biota Stewardship Department, looksover the program development for the school withMr. John Isaac (left). Director of Stewardship, and Mr. Al Sanders, Vice President of Public Rela tions. Stewardship Representatives are trained to asist Christiansin matters pertaining to wills, agrements, estate planning, and other phases of Christian stewardship.
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