Psalm 23:2a

Introduction:

Two thoughts: 1) Arthur Pink 1885-1952 Wrote a series of Bible studies always entitled Gleanings from______ we are going to take that approach today. (Explain Gleaning). and 2) This is an idyllic picture; imagine a beautiful spring day, sheep lying around in the pasture, appearing to be totally at peace with their surroundings. But that may not be the case.

Gleanings from the word: Maketh

Maketh to mean points to authority, one having authority over another. Although the shepherd does have the authority he does not physically force them to lie down, nor does he use his sheep dog, or his staff.

Maketh comes from the Hebrew word raa-bats which cause to stretch out, lie down, or lie stretched out. So just how does the Good Shepherd get His sheep to lie down?

Gleanings from the sheep-Heard all my life sheep are dumb animals. Watching cowboy movies growing up, found cattle are driven-sheep are led. Also discovered that sheep are very weary, the slightest thing will set them off, unlike cattle-loud noise cause a stampede. I have learned sheep will not lie down unless 4 conditions are met.

Freedom from fear. Sheep are timid animals; the flock may be restless, agitated, disturbed, and they will never lie down. There are document cases of sheep stampeding over the surprise of a jack rabbit. Sheep have natural predators: wolfs, coyotes, & mt. lions. With these predators how can sheep be free from fear? Nothing clams sheep down like the presence of the Shepherd. Isn’t the same true for Christians? We are living in uncertain times, in an uncertain world; yet knowing my shepherd is near comforts me, gives me peace, I have hope, & I can rest in Him.

King James Version Chapter 1

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

And because He lives, I can face tomorrow Because He lives, all fear is gone Because I know He holds the future

2. Freedom from Friction. They are societal animals-they live in a flock. Do they all get along-no. They must deal with each other, just as we have to do. They have a “pecking order” they follow. Rams fight over ewes, headbutt, they fight over grazing areas. This means sheep must always be “on guard” to defend not only themselves but the their territory. When they cannot lie down & rest they suffer weight loss , & if they could suffer a nervous breakdown I’m sure they would have one.

We, too, are societal people. We live in a world filled with self-righteous, self-assured people. In a world were with are forced to stand up for our rights. A world filled with jealousy, rivalry, & discontent. Just like the sheep nothing clams our friction & turmoil than the presence of the shepherd. Lying in green pastures shows our contentment, we are resting in Christ.

Ezekiel 34:15-16 (HCSB) 15  I will tend My flock and let them lie down.” ⌊This is⌋ the declaration of the Lord GOD. 16  “I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bandage the injured, and strengthen the weak, but I will destroy the fat and the strong. I will shepherd them with justice.

1 Timothy 6:6 (HCSB) 6  But godliness with contentment is a great gain. Philippians 4:11 (KJV) 11  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Phillip Keller wrote: When my eyes are on the Master they are not on those around me. This is the place place of peace.

Keep our eyes on the Good Shepherd.

And because He lives, I can face tomorrow Because He lives, all fear is gone Because I know He holds the future

3. Freedom from Flies. Flies, ticks, and other insects can drive sheep crazy. When sheep are tormented by these insects it is literally impossible for them to lie down; you usually find them standing up, stomping their feet, shaking their heads, or running toward the shady bushes. The good shepherd is constantly watching for the signs of pests.

The Good Shepherd will apply repellent or dip to the sheep. The shepherd is attempting to remove the irritant in order for the sheep calm & content.

In our lives we have those irritants too. These irritants are often called sandpaper people-rub us the wrong way. Sometimes we say they are bugging us. When look at Scripture, see H.S. often represented by oil-by applying the oil people experience healing & comfort & relief. It’s like it is bringing us into the very presence of the Good Shepherd. In His presence all the little bugs or distractions give us contentment…He takes care of the annoying little bugs.

And because He lives, I can face tomorrow Because He lives, all fear is gone Because I know He holds the future

4. Freedom from famine. One of animals basic needs is food. If sheep are hungry the are standing on their feet, moving, searching, & scavenging for food. Again the shepherd can lead them to the food, but he cannot make them eat.

Here we are not talking about food for our body but spiritual food. The green pasture for our Spiritual nourishment is the Bible. He leads us to the Scriptures; our responsibility is to ready, study, listen, mediate, & memorize. When we sit down to eat, we choose when, what, where, & how much to eat. It’s the same with the Word of God. That’s how we learn about the Good Shepherd.

And because He lives, I can face tomorrow Because He lives, all fear is gone Because I know He holds the future

Gleanings from the green pastures. Green pastures or lush green meadows are uncommon in Israel, it’s a very arid land. The prevailing color is brown mixture of dirt & grass; grass so tough its almost like wire. To provide green pastures the shepherd had to clear the ground of the rocks & boulders, plant the grass, irrigate the grass; and he had to begin this process before the sheep arrived.

Jesus came 2000 years ago to prepare green pastures for His sheep. When a person asks Jesus into their life , Jesus wants too: 1) Clear out the boulders of unbelief; 2) tear out the roots of bitterness; 3) break up the hard, proud heart; 4) Sow the seed of His living Word into us to grow the lush, green, pastures for our rest & contentment.

Revelation 7:16-17 (KJV) 16  They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17  For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

The Good Shepher chose this pasture for us:

Not the pasture of another-this is the best for our need. Not the pasture of our past- will not help us today . Not the pasture of the future-we’re not ready. Not the pasture of barren ground-not with Him, not content, cannot say:

And because He lives, I can face tomorrow Because He lives, all fear is gone Because I know He holds the future