Day 168

Shepherd and King

Read: Psalms 23-28

We who have heard Jesus say to us “I am the Good Shepherd” see Jesus in this wonderful shepherd psalm. He is the One who leads us. He is the One who comforts us, and because of his goodness, we shall dwell with him forever.

The Shepherd is also the King of Glory described in Psalm 24. A psalm like this should fill our hearts with exultation. It is fitting that our hearts should burst forth in praise to so wonderful a Savior.

In Psalm 25, the author looks to God for protection, for guidance, for instruction. On the one hand, he is troubled, and on the other, he turns to God in a trusting spirit for help in that trouble.

Psalms 26-28 deal with the house of God. In Psalm 26, “O Lord, I love the habitation of your house, and the place where your glory dwells” (v. 8 ESV). In Psalm 27, “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life” (v. 4). In Psalm 28, “Hear the voice of my supplication, as I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary” (v. 2 ESV).

Today Jesus says to us that what counts is the attitude of our hearts, that we are to worship him in spirit and in truth. Yet how precious the actual place of our baptism, confession, and wedding.

PRAYER
Father, we rejoice that you have given us Jesus, our Good Shepherd, the King of Glory. In his name. Amen.