He Maketh Me To Lie Down In Green Pastures
Psalms 23:1-6
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;”
Maketh: Not with some force, but instead causes me to lie down
It is almost impossible to get sheep to lie down because of their nature. There are a number of conditions that must be met in order to get them to do so (lie down).
• Sheep are timid (A rabbit is capable of spooking a herd of sheep)
• Must be free from friction (butting order among them)
• Free from pests (fleas, flies and ticks etc..,)
• They must also be free from hunger (The need to be full)
Point: In order to rest there must be freedom from fear, tension, aggravations and hunger.
When we relate this to our very own self we can see the comparisons of how we are so much like sheep.
1. Fear
Comment: We live in a society that creates a legitimate fear from its dangers
See: Job 3:24-26 We see here the fear of Job before trouble came
“I was not in safety, neither had I rest…”
Mention: 2 Tim. 1:7 God has not given the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.
Fear not…Is mention many times in the Bible
See: Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not…
See: Matt. 10:24-31 Jesus encourages His disciples not to fear the dangers of being of His household.
See: Proverbs 3:24 When thou liest down thou shalt not be afraid…
2. Friction
The friction of sheep is within the flock as they establish their dominance among themselves. This is accomplished by butting to determine a butting order.
See: Ezekiel 34:15-16, 20-22
In our society there is also a similar occurrence that has been referred to for many years as “Keeping up with the Joneses”
Comment: We mentioned last week because the LORD is our shepherd we should be content!
1 Tim. 6:6, 8 But godliness with contentment is great gain…having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Point: Remember there is the deceit and dangers of not being content.
3. The Fleas and Flies
Sheep do not lie down with the irritation of pests upon them, so the shepherd keeps his sheep dip or spray to prevent the irritation of these pests.
Point: We call it being “bugged”
This is the dilemma, difficulties and disagreeable experiences we face that are beyond our control. They are to be surrendered to the Master’s care.
Matt. 11:28 Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.
4. Food
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures”
Point: Sheep will not lie down as long as they feel the need of finding food.
Mention: Matt. 6 take no thought
The Shepherd knows where the green grass is and it is He that satisfies us there.
Psalms 3:5 For the LORD sustained me
Comment: The first thought of these green pastures is physical food, but we must also not forget of the spiritual food.
Mention: Matt. 4:4 Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
