As I have been studying John 10 the past two weeks, my mind can't help but think of Psalm 23. A familiar Psalm to many people all over the world. A Psalm that is often quoted and reflected upon at the end of one's life. Children know this Psalm. It's easy to relate to young David's life out in the fields, watching over the flocks. No doubt, he reflected on the sheep and what it meant to be a shepherd. As he did, he composed this most magnificent piece of literature.
I believe it's more important to know the Shepherd of this Psalm than it is to know the Psalm. What does Psalm 23 teach us about the Shepherd?
1. That He provides for His flock. "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul."
2. That He directs His flock. "He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name sake." Left to ourselves we are all wanderers. But God guides us so our lives can bring His name glory.
3. That He protects His flock. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." A valley was a place of danger because it afforded robbers and predators opportunities for ambush. Our Shepherd is with us, comforting us, so we don't have to fear any evil. God protects us in through the valley; we can't assume He will take us around the valley.
4. That He exalts His flock. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." God is a table setting God. He prepares His feast for us in the midst of the most trying circumstances. Instead of enemies pursuing us, we are now pursued by goodness and mercy. And if that's not enough; our Good Shepherd allows us to dwell in His house forever. Two worlds collide at the end of this Psalm. While on earth, God prepares a bountiful table for me, as a gracious host, He anoints my head with oil. My life is chased by goodness and mercy and finally, I get to live with Him forever.
Know the Psalm but more importantly, know the Shepherd. He's Good all the time.

Pastor Tim