Advent 2023: November 30 - Psalm

Thursday, November 30th: Psalm

Read Psalm 23.

Out of all the Psalms, Psalm 23 is perhaps the most well known and the most loved.  And for good reason.  It provides a great image of God’s love and care for us as his people.
 
Psalm 23 is even played out in the New Testament.  Read Mark 6:30-44, the feeding of the 5000, with Psalm 23 in mind.  You can’t miss the imagery.  Here are just a few examples of the comparisons that the Gospel of Mark wants you to make:

“The Lord is my shepherd.” Psalm 23:1
“When Jesus went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” Mark 6:34

“I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1
“And they all ate and were satisfied.” Mark 6:42

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Psalm 23:2
“Then Jesus commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass.” Mark 6:39

Note here that they are by the waters of Galilee that become still in the next verses after the feeding!

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3
“And Jesus began to teach them many things.” Mark 6:34

“Even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death…” Psalm 23:4
“This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late.” Mark 6:35

“I will fear no evil for you are with me.”  Psalm 23:4
“Send them away…to go buy themselves something to eat.  But Jesus said, ‘No, you give them something to eat.”

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalm 23:5
“And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before them all.” Mark 6:41

“My cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5
“And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces and of the fish.” Mark 6:43

Reading Psalm 23 reminds us and points us to the work of Jesus.  And the work that Jesus promises to give to you too.  He is your shepherd and Jesus will care for you too.