In Green Pastures, Beside Still Waters

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.” –Psalm 23:2.

So much truth is compounded in the lines of the 23rd Psalm that volumes cannot contain all that could be written or said about it. Today we want to emphasize the meaning of green pastures and still waters as they relate to Shepherd and sheep, and, of course, to Jesus and us. One translation from the Hebrew language of “green pastures” is “pastures of tender grass.”

That would be edible, digestible, succulent, desirable grass for the sheep’s food, as opposed to wilted, tough or sun-dried fare parched by the desert sun. Green pastures were not easy to find in the arid land of Palestine. But a good shepherd on his nomadic travels to provide food for his flock would find and captivate on such oases of provision. Moreover, the sheep can lie down in these green pastures. After having hunger satiated they can peacefully rest. Four conditions must be met before sheep can rest. They must be free from fear, from friction with others of their kind, from pests that torment their flesh and peace of mind, and satisfaction from hunger. It is only the shepherd himself who can assure that these criteria are met for his flock. Applied to the human condition, these peace-inducing standards must also be met. How can this happen? Through the Christian’s complete trust and dependence on the Good Shepherd. He makes the way plain. Christ’s presence dispels fear, friction, foreboding and frailty. In Him is my strength and rest. Phillip Keller describes this assurance with these words: “The gracious Holy Spirit makes real in me the very presence of Christ. He brings quietness, serenity, strength, and calmness in the face of frustration and futility.” (p. 44 in A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23).

Likewise, in arid Palestine, still waters at which his sheep could drink were hard for a shepherd to find. Water for the flock came from three sources: early-morning dew on the grass; deep wells; or springs and streams. In each case, it was the shepherd who led sheep to these watering sources. Jesus told the woman at the well in Samaria that He could provide a source of water, which, when taken, she would never thirst again. He is the Water of Life and He provides the Water of Life. Jeremiah the prophet warned: “My people…have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jer. 2:13). At which do I drink?

Multiple implications come from “green pastures” and “still waters” but paramount in these promises from the Good Shepherd is that He makes provision. We can rest in Him. That is why, when I am afraid or alone or near despair, I quote Psalm 23. Its words reassure me that my Shepherd cares for this sheep. Selah!

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Friday, June 4, 2010