He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. - Psalm 23:2-3
It is important to note that the shepherd is the one who
leads us to the quiet waters. He goes before us, preparing the path and looking
out for potential dangers. The goal of the shepherd is to lead us to the
well-hidden pools of cool water and luscious pasture.
Robert Alter says that verse 3 (‘he refreshes my soul’)
could be interpreted more as ‘my life he brings back’ – I love that image! It
is speaking not just of a refreshing, but rather of a bringing back to life –
to a complete spiritual wholeness. The refreshing of our souls increases our
vitality and allows us the privilege of enjoying the abundant life.
Jesus invites his followers to experience this refreshing,
and he invites them to rest in him. It is in times of rest that we are
refreshed and invigorated for the next part of the journey:
Matthew 11:28 - Come to me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest.
Living in Grace
D3LM3
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