EPISODE 266 – MY SHEPHERD AND MY HOST

Monday 16th October, 2023

MY SHEPHERD AND MY HOST

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over”

Psalm 23:5 (NKJV)

Our discussion on this Psalm has revealed the tender care and protective heart of our Shepherd (who is the Lord).

– We saw Jesus as the good shepherd, who supplies your needs bountifully.

– He causes you to enjoy Him as your diet and rest through His luxurious love.

– He refreshes your heart and brings you to a life above distress.

– As the good shepherd, He is your righteousness; thus, leads you not by rules and regulations. You live right by His organic life within you.

– He is the Shepherd who lives in you and with you irrespective of the chaotic conditions which may confront you.

– He is not just with you, He defends and protects you. He selected and separated you unto Himself to be His forever.

– He also guides and restrains you in the way you should go.

Let me just draw your attention to this interesting thought. I believe some who don’t want to submit to God will make an assertion that:

‘The shepherds, tend, feed and protect their sheep for the interest of their own business.‘

However, Psalm 23:5 reveals the beautiful character of the Good Shepherd (the Lord Jesus) which is contrary to the shepherds of this world. They protect their sheep from the prey, so that they will comfortably feast on their own sheep or trade them.

Instead of the sheep to be prepared as meal for the table, the Good shepherd prepares a table for the sheep.

There is a shift in the metaphor used by David in this Psalm. In the verse 5, you will see that, the Shepherd has now become a Host whiles the sheep has become His guest.

However, the feast is hosted in the presence of the sheep’s enemies. As you are designated, selected and separated unto the Lord, you will have enemies. Having enemies is also an evidence that you are on the Lord’s side. As a sheep you will always attract the enemies of your Shepherd.

Usually a person may eat fast before his enemies and quickly get into defensive or attacking position. But that is not the case of the Good Shepherd’s guest. The shepherd creates an environment for His guest to have a quietude in the face of his adversity.

The calm bravery of the guest is dependent on the consciousness of who his host is and the quality of security he enjoys.

David already said, “…though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me…” verse 4, Psalm 23.

And then points out the bravest act of feasting, even when he has his enemies before him or around him. Right through verses 4 and 5, David illustrated the unwavering confidence he has in the Lord; who is his Shepherd and Host.

The Lord is not just guiding and guarding you, He is also your HOST.

And as your HOST, He is not interested in wiping out your enemies. He rather takes delight to make you enjoy His comfort and be abundantly satisfied even when you are faced with opposition.

Such an AUDACITY of life can only be experienced when the Lord is truly your SHEPHERD and HOST.

Selah.