PASTOR’S PERSPECTIVE
On Wednesday nights We are studying together one of the well-known and beloved passages of all Scripture-Psalm 23. Unfortunately, one of the great dangers is that we may be so familiar with the 23rd Psalm that we miss some of the beauties of David’s awe-inspiring song.
One time a botanist was out on his knees with a magnifying glass looking down at a little flower in a pasture. A big old brawn shepherd came and stood behind him. At first the botanist was not aware he was there. The shepherd had a smile on his face. To him it was ludicrous. Here was a man on his hands and with a magnifying glass, looking at one little flower. When the botanist became aware of the shepherd’s presence he said, “come here and take a look at this”. The shepherd, took the magnifying glass inquisitively, kneeling to examine the little heather bell flower. He immediately gasped wow…and stood up with tears streaming down his face. The startled botanist asked, “why are you crying?”. He responded, “I knew they were there all the time…I trampled them underfoot many times without stopping to take the closer look…sadly I have missed their exquisite beauty all this time. That is the tragedy of familiarity. What we miss by not taking time for that closer deeper look! That tragedy is repeated many times over when we read those well-known passages. We read them rapidly without stopping to study the full intended meaning for maximum impact.
In the New Testament there are three words that clearly show this distinction. Don’t let ANYONE dissuade you from investigating the difference. The word “blepo” means to see in general-With no regard to understanding and comprehension. John arrived first at the tomb. He was hesitant to enter. He sized up the physical evidence of the grave clothes, from a distance, without close inspection. That is basic meaning of “blepo”. Peter arrives, and without hesitation, enters the tomb. He had a closer look. The word is “theoreo” means to see after close examination with the goal of comprehension. From this word we get “theory”-putting observations together to make a good guess. We get the word theater from it also. A place where you observe actions on screen and try to discern the story…to analyze the plot. Then John enters…to repeat Peter’s investigation. Text says “John saw”- a third Greek word-“orao”. They both saw-“blepo”; After that superficial observation Peter goes a step further-“theoreo”. But John, the Word says “looked and believed. He took a third step. After a physical gaze (blepo) he looked deeper–for meaning (theoreo); Bit John went a little farther- He took evidence from the first exposure; sorted it out by a closer look; and closer review it came into focus, i.e., the body of Jesus was stolen. He arose
John believed! (John 20). That kind of study is what God expects of us, and is the best kind of study that inspired Scripture really deserves. Paul told his young Pastor-teacher Timothy “study to show himself approved of God” avoiding shame and maximize edification to completion. No wonder we miss the beauty of the Word during our hurried trampling Bible reading we are so used to by using lazy shallow technique. The word “study” means “apply yourself with diligent work and effort”. THAT is the only way to guarantee that we are “rightly dividing the Word of Truth”. The word “rightly dividing” is “orthotometo” Ortho-straight/tometo-to cut. i.e., “cut it straight so it fits the meaning”. That is what we are doing with Psalm 23. Seeing it; Sorting it; Solving it; Sharing it.
Psalm 23, was authored by David from his experience shepherding his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. Most believe it rejoiced in the LORD’S care of him all his days. Maybe he sang it most of his life in times of personal worship. David had a life of adventure. He sings praises for areas of God’s care as his Shepherd. You can approach It from many angles of emphasis. THE Lord is my Shepperd. Exalting Him as the only true God…The LORD…Jehovah…God’s personal covenant name. It means “I AM” all you need me to be.
The Lord IS my shepherd. Not would be…should be…but IS. Not was or will be…but IS NOW. MY shepherd. He knows me…my name…my needs…my nature. SHEPHERD. The one key person that is essential to the sheep. David…tell us…teach us…trust us. WE WILL LOVE AND FOLLOW HIM.
Psalm 25
I. A CONVERTED HEART
II. A CONSECRATED HEART
III. A CONFESSING HEART
IV. A CHALLENGED HEART
V. A CONSTANT HEART.
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