Part 3 --- The Lord is My Shepherd (Jehovah-Shalom)

Psalm 23 --- One of the most well-known passage of scriptures which is often referenced in times of distress to provide a person a measure of comfort and assurance. It's time for deeper reflection on what this passage really is conveying about the relationship between God and Man.

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"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures"

Significant Points

Sheep do not lie down down unless four requirements are satisfied/achieved:

Sheep must be free from fear --- due to their timidity.

A startled sheep running in fear can cause other sheep to run in fear not waiting to see the cause of fright.

Sheep is helpless, timid, and feeble. Only recourse is running.

Sheep can lose via abortions unborn lambs when chased by predators.

Shepherd dispels the fear, panic and terror of the unknown; His knowing presence makes the difference.

Sheep must be free from friction (rivalry) with others of their kind --- due to social behavior within flock.

Within flock there's an establishment of dominance/status; 'butting order'.

Sheep may 'boss' other sheep. The 'boss' generally is arrogant, cunning, domineering; maintains position by butting/driving sheep from best grazing or favorite bedgrounds. Others succeed the 'boss' in precise order. Other sheep establish and maintain  exact position in flock using tactics as butting and thrusting.

Continuous conflict produces edginess, tension, discontentment, restlessnessirritability, and weight loss. Shepherd's presence and the attraction towards the presence of Shepherd cause sheep to forget rivalries, cease fighting. Shepherd's presence made difference in sheep behavior.

Less aggressive sheep more restful, contented, and quiet; 'first' in area of Shepherd's intimate affection.

Sheep must be free from torment by flies, parasites (pests) --- due to desire for relaxation and rest.

Shepherd applies various types of insect repellants to sheep; dips sheep to clear fleece of ticks; makes sure the availability of trees and bushes for a refuge/release from tormentors. Shepherd must take time, labor, and expensive chemicals to do the job thoroughly.

Shepherd must be among sheep daily to keep close watch on sheep behavior. As soon as there is the least evidence that sheep is disturbed, Shepherd must take steps to provide relief. The aim: Keeping flock quiet, contented, and at peace.

Sheep must be free from hunger --- due to need of finding food.

Most breeds of sheep flourish best in dry semi-arid areas/terrains; susceptible to fewer hazards of health and parasites where climate is dry.

Green pastures are not natural nor common. Green pastures are product of tremendous labor, time, and skill in land use. Green pastures are the result of clearing rough rocky land; tearing out brush, roots, and stumps; deep plowing, careful soil preparation; seeding, planting special grains and legumes; irrigating with water, cultivating with care the crops of the forage.

Sheep require green pastures for production of heavy milk flow. [Lambs could reach 100 pounds within 100 days from birth from feeding in green pastures (a common occurrence).

In green pastures sheep could  fill up quickly, lie down quietly, rest, and ruminate.

Ill-fed sheep lack vigor, vitality, are discontented, languish, and unsatisfied.

Agriculturally, 'milk and honey flow' refers to the peak season of spring and summer when pastures  are at their most productive stages. Livestock that feed on forage, bees thatvisit blossoms are said to be producing corresponding 'flow' of milk and honey. Land flowing with milk or honey is a land of rich green  luxuriant pastures.

Shepherd clears life of rocks of stony disbelief, tear out rocks of bitterness, break up hard proud human heart set like sun-dried clay; sows seed of the Word; waters with dew  and rain of own presence by the Holy Spirit; tends, cares, cultivates the life and longing to see it become rich, green and productive. Shepherd surprise how sheep chose inferior forage at times.

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In summary, Sheep must be free from fear, tension, agitations/aggravations, and hunger.

Only the Shepherd can provide freedom. Shepherd must be diligent.

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Wonderful Peace

Further Review

Video: Peace in the Midst of the Storm

Psalm 91:3 --- "Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence."

II Corinthians 4:8-9 --- "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed."

Jehovah Shalom --- The Lord Our Peace

Jehovah-El Hanne'eman --- Lord the Faithful God