In Green Pastures
For sheep, green pastures don't just happen by chance.
Phillip Keller, a shepherd and also the author of “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23,” offers us an interesting observation about a hungry sheep, and a faithful shepherd:
“A hungry, ill-fed sheep is ever on its feet, on the move, searching for another scanty mouthful of forage to try and satisfy its gnawing hunger. Such sheep are not contented ... Green pastures did not just happen by chance. Green pastures were the product of tremendous labor, time, and skill in land use. Green pastures were the result of clearing rough, rocky land; of tearing out brush and roots and stumps; of deep plowing and careful soil preparation; of seeding and planting special grains and legumes; of irrigating with water and husbanding with care the crops of forage that would feed the flocks” (Keller, p. 45).
Our Good Shepherd has gone ahead of us and done amazing work. He has cleared the rough spots that would overwhelm our weakness. He has invested careful labor in tearing out temptations that would trip us up. He has prepared the soil of opportunity and planted the seed of his saving words that they might grow into pasture for us.
The literal meaning of “green pastures” is “safe dwellings of growing grass,” indicating a place where sheep may lie down and rest without any need to stir, having everything they need, no fear for their safety or worrying about their well-being. We are assured that under our Good Shepherd’s care we lack nothing. He provides us a perfect place of carefree rest. He feeds our every need.
When we lie down and take his Word to heart.
PRAYER: Let me be content, dear Lord, in your greener pastures. As faithfully as you prepare these pastures for me, may I faithfully graze of your grace. Amen.