Jehovah — Jehovah Rohi: The Lord Our Shepherd

Guest teacher Jared Merley of Ignite Church Planting works through Psalm 23 by first reading it through the life of its author. David's story moves from shepherd boy to anointed king to fugitive to a throne marred by his family's worst tragedies, and that range of highs and lows gives the psalm its weight. The shepherd imagery is taken seriously: sheep are intelligent alone but foolish in a herd, near-sighted to danger, and unable to defend themselves against their greatest enemy. Verse by verse the psalm offers rest and refreshment, direction through the wilderness, protection and companionship in the dark valley, and provision in the presence of enemies. The closing point resists a prosperity reading. The valley of the shadow stands right beside the overflowing cup; the blessing of God's kingdom begins now, not only after death, for those who follow Jehovah-Rohi .