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Psalm 23 – Free from Fear
“He makes me lie down in green pastures (23:2).” Phillip Keller comments that it is almost impossible to make sheep lie down until four requirements are met: [1] free from fear, [2] free from tension with other sheep (often caused from bossy – “butting order”), [3] free from aggravation from flies or parasites, and [4] free from hunger. Sheep must sense freedom; freedom increases comfort, relaxing the sheep, enabling them to rest by erasing fear. Sounds exactly like what is needed to keep peace within local congregations. Yes we are nothing more, and no greater than, helpless sheep. We human sheep need to learn to relax, trusting the Shepherding God to free us by meeting our needs. The Shepherd dispels the fears common to those in the spiritual wild who vainly protect themselves: “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt.11:28). The Shepherd stops the fighting and rivalry within the flock: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave (Matthew 20:26-27). The Shepherd administers agents to repel annoying insects and parasites which are the troubles and toils of life: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you” (Mt.6:33). The Shepherd leads through the valley of the shadow of death to green pastures and still waters: “Jesus stood up and cried out, If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink!’” (John 7:37). It is when sheep and human sheep stop looking to the shepherd for these freedoms that enslaves to fear. It is when sheep and human sheep wander off, lacking trust, getting distracted, leaving the shepherd to lead, that leads to tension. It is when we stop trusting and start wandering and searching for our own answers that makes the bare necessities impossible to enjoy. Jesus, our Great Shepherd is among us, but are we following in His presence? “Therefore, if the (Shepherd) sets you free, you really will be free” (John 8:36).
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