The Vine: July 8, 2024

“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”

— John 15:4-5

This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
”

— Psalm 23

Psalm 23 was written by David during one of his darkest times. He was facing hostility from King Saul, who sought to eliminate him. This scripture reflects David’s personal experiences as a shepherd in his youth and his later life as a king facing various challenges. Under such pressure, David often turned to God for strength and deliverance. This Psalm might be well-known because it offers comfort and talks about how God protects us. In Psalm 23, God is compared to a shepherd caring for his sheep. It emphasizes that we don't need anything else because God is a good shepherd. The shepherd provides everything we need: food, water, protection, and shelter. As I was researching this scripture, even though we typically see several examples of shepherds being males, like David, they were usually young girls. William Barclay describes the shepherd who carried a scrip, a bag made of the skin of an animal to carry her food. She had some bread, dried fruit, and olives. She carried a sling as her weapon, as there were no sheepdogs. She had a staff, a short wooden club with nails embedded, which hung on her belt. It also was a weapon to defend herself and her flock.

Sheep and shepherds had a unique bond. A Shepherd knows exactly where the best feeding grounds are and leads his sheep to those places. The sheep would know the voice of their shepherd. Back in Jesus’ day shepherds would bring their sheep into pens in the evening for protection. They would have flocks from several different shepherds in one large corral. In the morning, the shepherd would come and call to his sheep, and the ones who recognized his voice would follow him out of the corral and into the surrounding fields to eat. Each shepherd had a different voice or mechanism to call the sheep and his flock would follow that sound. They knew from experience that this was a sound they could trust and it meant good things were ahead. All the other sheep in the corral would just ignore the sound because it meant nothing to them. They did not recognize the voice of another shepherd. They only followed their own shepherd because they trusted the shepherd would lead them on the right path.

In this verse, David tells the same about God because God directed him down paths of uprightness during his kingship. A shepherd doesn’t just watch sheep, he cares for his sheep. He takes them to where food and water are, and he shelters them from storms. The shepherd protects them from other animals who would attack them. Because the shepherd is there, the sheep are protected, comforted, and fed. Without a shepherd, the sheep would not last long in the wilderness. That’s a pretty good picture of how God cares for us, isn’t it?

Questions for Reflection:

1) The Psalm talks about the Lord leading us beside still waters. What do you think this imagery suggests about how God cares for us during difficult times?

2) How does the passage describe the unique bond between a shepherd and their sheep, especially in terms of recognition?

3) The text mentions David walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Even in this dark place, he feels safe. Why do you think David feels this way, according to the Psalm?

4) Beyond the shepherd metaphor, are there any other images or descriptions in the Psalm that resonate with you? Why?

5) This Psalm is a popular choice for readings at funerals and memorials. Why do you think the message of Psalm 23 resonates with people during times of grief?

PRAYER:

God,

Just as a shepherd knows the best pastures and leads his flock to those peaceful grounds, guide us, Lord. Grant us the wisdom to recognize your voice and follow you along the paths of righteousness. Nourish our souls with the quiet waters of your grace, and refresh us in times of weariness.

Shepherd us through every twist and turn, leading us with unwavering goodness and mercy. May we dwell in the everlasting embrace of your love, finding peace and refuge in your eternal house.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, we pray.

Amen.

David

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