Easter 4
Preaching
Hear My Voice
Preaching The Lectionary Psalms for Cycles A, B, C
(See Lent 4, Cycle A, and Easter 4, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)
This well-known psalm, rich in so many themes and images, is drawn into service during the Easter season primarily because of its shepherd imagery. Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me" (John 10:27). The psalm details in marvelous language what, as Christians, we have come to celebrate and what it means to follow Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
But the psalm had life before the advent of Jesus. The shepherd imagery was associated with God before Jesus personified the image of "the good shepherd." In fact, it can even be argued that the psalm gave definition to Jesus' work, rather than Jesus giving particular meaning to the psalm.
There are many compelling themes in the psalm but none more evocative than the phrase, "even though I walk through the darkest valley ... you are with me." It is this promise of God's presence even at the extremes of our existence that has made this psalm a regular feature at funerals or in hospital visits.
Which may be unfortunate, as the psalm clearly seems to be more about how we should live rather than how we should die. The psalm is a steady reflection on the blessings that come to a life focused on God. As we allow God to guide us to "good pastures" and "still waters," a healthy stability begins to emerge in our lives. We experience a sense of purpose, perhaps renewed purpose -- as though our very souls have "been restored."
Following God as shepherd means God leads us down "right paths." This is more than just a nod toward moral and virtuous living, though it certainly includes that. Following right paths means living for and wanting the right things. As we walk with God, we begin to understand something about God. We begin to notice how God deals with people. We begin to appreciate God's commitment to justice and kindness.
Following God as shepherd allows us to develop a certain confidence about life. The psalmist declares that God has prepared a table "in the presence of my enemies." Those who follow begin to experience a sense of having been set aside, of having been carefully and lovingly chosen (anointed).
It is in the context of following God as Shepherd that the psalmist's words about "the darkest valley" begin to be fully understood. God's presence with us at those moments of great stress and despair are not like an emergency-room scene where an injured person is wheeled into the presence of the doctor for aid. The image, rather, is of a shepherd and a sheep that suddenly falls or becomes threatened. The shepherd turns to aid or defend. The shepherd does not come from somewhere else to the place where the sheep falls. The shepherd is there to help, the moment it happens.
It is in the darkest valley that the shepherd most needs and uses the rod and staff -- the rod for guidance, the staff for defense.
The psalm concludes with a vision of a life continuing in God's blessing, continuing in God's care, continuing in God's presence. The shepherd, once the sheep are in the fold, is careful not to lose them.
-- J. E.
This well-known psalm, rich in so many themes and images, is drawn into service during the Easter season primarily because of its shepherd imagery. Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me" (John 10:27). The psalm details in marvelous language what, as Christians, we have come to celebrate and what it means to follow Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
But the psalm had life before the advent of Jesus. The shepherd imagery was associated with God before Jesus personified the image of "the good shepherd." In fact, it can even be argued that the psalm gave definition to Jesus' work, rather than Jesus giving particular meaning to the psalm.
There are many compelling themes in the psalm but none more evocative than the phrase, "even though I walk through the darkest valley ... you are with me." It is this promise of God's presence even at the extremes of our existence that has made this psalm a regular feature at funerals or in hospital visits.
Which may be unfortunate, as the psalm clearly seems to be more about how we should live rather than how we should die. The psalm is a steady reflection on the blessings that come to a life focused on God. As we allow God to guide us to "good pastures" and "still waters," a healthy stability begins to emerge in our lives. We experience a sense of purpose, perhaps renewed purpose -- as though our very souls have "been restored."
Following God as shepherd means God leads us down "right paths." This is more than just a nod toward moral and virtuous living, though it certainly includes that. Following right paths means living for and wanting the right things. As we walk with God, we begin to understand something about God. We begin to notice how God deals with people. We begin to appreciate God's commitment to justice and kindness.
Following God as shepherd allows us to develop a certain confidence about life. The psalmist declares that God has prepared a table "in the presence of my enemies." Those who follow begin to experience a sense of having been set aside, of having been carefully and lovingly chosen (anointed).
It is in the context of following God as Shepherd that the psalmist's words about "the darkest valley" begin to be fully understood. God's presence with us at those moments of great stress and despair are not like an emergency-room scene where an injured person is wheeled into the presence of the doctor for aid. The image, rather, is of a shepherd and a sheep that suddenly falls or becomes threatened. The shepherd turns to aid or defend. The shepherd does not come from somewhere else to the place where the sheep falls. The shepherd is there to help, the moment it happens.
It is in the darkest valley that the shepherd most needs and uses the rod and staff -- the rod for guidance, the staff for defense.
The psalm concludes with a vision of a life continuing in God's blessing, continuing in God's care, continuing in God's presence. The shepherd, once the sheep are in the fold, is careful not to lose them.
-- J. E.
