I’ve been really enjoying The Lord of Psalm 23 by David Gibson. It’s a series of sermons Gibson preached on Psalm 23 which explore how Jesus Christ is our Shepherd, Companion, and Host. As a Shepherd, Christ provides for and leads His people. As a Companion, Christ is with us in our trials, our sufferings, and the valley of the shadow of death. As our Host, He invites us, and welcomes us, and “prepares us a table in the presence of our enemies.”
Here’s a beautiful poem Gibson quotes in his book:
The Lord my shepherd rules my life
and gives me all I need;
He leads me by refreshing streams;
in pastures green I feed.
The Lord revives my failing strength,
he makes my joy complete;
and in right paths, for his name’s sake,
he guides my faltering feet.
Though in a valley dark as death,
no evil makes me fear;
your shepherd’s staff protects my way,
for you are with me there.
While all my enemies look on
you spread a royal feast;
you fill my cup, anoint my head,
and treat me as your guest.
Your goodness and your gracious love
pursue me all my days;
your house, O Lord, shall be my home
your name my endless praise.
Christopher Idle