PSALM 23:1-3 – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

THEME OF THE DAY:  THE GOOD SHEPHERD WORKING OUT OUR SALVATION.  One of the most glorious truths about the Christian life is God doesn’t just save us and then says, “Okay. You are on your own.”  The Apostle Paul would tell us that salvation is all of God, but growth or the theological term “sanctification” is a cooperative effort between the believer and God.  This process of growth is called “working out our salvation” – Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).  And when it comes to the working out of our salvation of God’s work in us, the Shepherd’s Psalm, Psalm 23, is a great place to be encouraged as we see and experience the Good Shepherd’s work in the working out of our salvation.

First, the Good Shepherd brings contentment to His sheep who are working out their salvation – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”  But there is a catch.  Christians are not immune to the sin of discontent and should they drift from the Shepherd and not be pursuing a life of working out their salvation, discontent comes.  Jesus satisfies the hungry and thirsty soul, not the indifferent and lazy soul.

Next, we find the Good Shepherd placing us in those places of peace, rest, and nourishment – “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul”  These are pictures of safety and satisfaction. For the Christian working out his or her salvation, this means a conscious awareness of coming to the Good Shepherd for these precious promises.  It is the application of Jesus’ invitation – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). In a very real way, the “green pastures” are Christ Himself, and we come to Him, only Him, in the working out of our salvation placing us in these peaceful green pastures.

Finally, our Good Shepherd is active in leading His sheep – He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake. Friend, here is a load of encouragement.  Our Good Shepherd never sleeps; is never derelict of His duty; and His leadership of us is not because of us, but for His sake.  What does this mean? He is faithful. Always. To Himself. To His purposes. What He starts, He finishes, and for His sheep?  This means He will lead us to the finish line of the work He has done in us (Philippians 1:6). And because the Good Shepherd will finish His part of the working out of our salvation, so shall we!

So, as we work out salvation, don’t forget, we are not alone.  The Lord Himself is active in working out our salvation as well. Rejoice and rest in His work as we labor and do our work!

PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for giving me such a good, kind and active Shepherd in Your Son.”
QUOTE: “Jesus is a watching shepherd, a guiding shepherd, and always active in lives of His sheep.”

Because of Him,
Pastor Jim