7.08.20
Psalm 22-24, the Shepherd Psalms
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1)
No doubt these are familiar words. They were penned by David, and then spoken one thousand years later by the Lord Jesus on the cross.
As we continue our consideration of familiar psalms, we begin today a long look at a group of Psalms 22-24. These are referred to as ‘the Shepherd Psalms.’ Psalm 22 reveals the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep. John takes up this topic, pointing to the Lord Jesus: The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. (John 10:10, 11). Jesus Christ died on the cross for the whole world.
Psalm 23 presents the Great Shepherd who cares for His sheep. This is the most familiar, and perhaps the most favorite of all the psalms. Paul refers to Christ as the Great Shepherd. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Heb 13:20, 21) Incidentally, this is the passage of Scripture that I often share at the graveside of one who has gone to be with the Lord. It is meant to be an encouragement to the loved ones that have been left behind.
Psalm 24 finishes the trilogy as it presents the Chief Shepherd who will return for His sheep. Peter completes the thought. The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy gain, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being exsamples to the flock. (4) And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away. (1 Peter 5:1-4). There is a special crown for those who serve faithfully as pastors of the local churches.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep. He died for you!
He is the Great Shepherd who tenderly cares for His own. They shall not want!
And, He is the Chief Shepherd who has promised to come again one day for those who wait for Him. Are you ready for His coming?
So, over the next several weeks, we will take a look at these three precious psalms that present our Savior from an OT perspective. Please take the time, if you will, to read these three psalms at one sitting. We will plan to begin our consideration of Psalm 22 next week.