Easter 4
Devotional
Water From the Rock
Lectionary Devotional for Cycle C
Object:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
-- Psalm 23:1
Psalm 23 is likely the most famous of all the psalms. Its words of trust have sustained people throughout generations. You can imagine Jesus claiming God as shepherd (v. 1) and being restored in his times of retreat in prayer (v. 2). He could feel God leading him in the path of righteousness as he pursued the course of his ministry (v. 3). As conflict increases and the shadow of death loomed larger in Jesus' life, would he not be comforted by God's sense of protection (v. 4)? You can picture him as he sat at the table with his disciples, knowing that his enemies were preparing to arrest him, being strengthened by the psalmist's words, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...." Yet that same Passover meal was a reminder of the hospitality of God throughout the lives of his people (v. 5). Even in the midst of conflicts, he experienced God's goodness and mercy (v. 6).
It has become important for the body of Christ to pray this prayer so that they might feel God as the shepherd who fills their every need. The church also needs to avail itself of the green pastures and still waters that God provides her even as she attempts to follow God in the path of righteousness. It should not be a surprise when the church's pursuit of righteousness in our society includes experiencing dark valleys. Yet it is the repeated experience of the church that the regular sharing of the table together opens them to the hospitality of God even in the midst of their enemies. It is a reminder that true goodness and mercy are part of dwelling in God's house even when that means being bold in the face of the opposition that exists in the world. Psalm 23 continues to be a community prayer of trust.
-- Psalm 23:1
Psalm 23 is likely the most famous of all the psalms. Its words of trust have sustained people throughout generations. You can imagine Jesus claiming God as shepherd (v. 1) and being restored in his times of retreat in prayer (v. 2). He could feel God leading him in the path of righteousness as he pursued the course of his ministry (v. 3). As conflict increases and the shadow of death loomed larger in Jesus' life, would he not be comforted by God's sense of protection (v. 4)? You can picture him as he sat at the table with his disciples, knowing that his enemies were preparing to arrest him, being strengthened by the psalmist's words, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...." Yet that same Passover meal was a reminder of the hospitality of God throughout the lives of his people (v. 5). Even in the midst of conflicts, he experienced God's goodness and mercy (v. 6).
It has become important for the body of Christ to pray this prayer so that they might feel God as the shepherd who fills their every need. The church also needs to avail itself of the green pastures and still waters that God provides her even as she attempts to follow God in the path of righteousness. It should not be a surprise when the church's pursuit of righteousness in our society includes experiencing dark valleys. Yet it is the repeated experience of the church that the regular sharing of the table together opens them to the hospitality of God even in the midst of their enemies. It is a reminder that true goodness and mercy are part of dwelling in God's house even when that means being bold in the face of the opposition that exists in the world. Psalm 23 continues to be a community prayer of trust.
