Given February 18, 2013

I help out with BibleTime Ministry, a group that goes into local schools here in Southwest Virginia and teaches biblical principals to children.  I will sometimes tell Bible stories, relaying the content in such a way that the kids can understand based on what I have learned telling stories to my grandkids when they spend the night.  I call them Pawpaw’s Bible Stories and plan to record them and make them available soon. And sometimes I do simple lessons on Bible topics such as Love, Power, Forgiveness, or Words.  I’ve realized that many of the things we read or tell are not understood by children and that’s why I teach in simpler language.  This “lesson” on Psalm 23 is one of those.  However, I did this for my church newsletter but will adapt it for the kids.  I hope you gain new insights into this familiar passage.

“The Lord is my Shepherd,” Without a shepherd, the sheep would wander and be in danger.  Sheep do not choose their shepherd, but the shepherd chooses them.  John 15:16 says, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,” God chose us but gives us the choice of following Him.  We have to say, “The Lord is my Shepherd.”  Is He your shepherd AND are you willing to follow Him?

“I shall not want.”  The shepherd takes care of the sheep and supplies them with everything they need.  They want for nothing; they have everything they need as long as they stay with the shepherd. On their own, the sheep would not make it.  If we follow Jesus, our Shepherd, we will have everything we need. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33).   So, what does the shepherd do for the sheep?

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”  The shepherd leads his sheep into abundant pastures where there is ample food and is also in the open so he can keep watch for animals that would kill the sheep.  They are safe and can eat in peace.  The shepherd also leads them to drinking water that is safe.  Sheep, because of their wool covering, are susceptible to drowning if caught in running water.  They don’t realize the danger and can be caught unaware.  Still, calm, safe water is where they need to drink.  The shepherd takes them there.

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”  By doing the things we’ve read above, the shepherd restores, revives, and refreshes the sheep.  He sustains them.  He directs them to go the right way as they go from the pen to the pasture, to the streams, then to the bedding place or back to the pen and safety for the night.  He is the shepherd and his reputation is on the line.  If he loses the sheep or some are killed or die, it is bad on him.  He will not be trusted and will not have “followers”.  Jesus, our Shepherd, has never lost even a lamb; He can be trusted to lead us in the way we should go, ALWAYS.

Do you have any comments?  Part two will follow.