Australian College of Ministries

Subject: TCB109 Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

Lecturer: John Rees

Date of Subject: Semester 2, 1999

Ministry Centre of Subject: Carlingford

Student’s Name: Grant Mitchell

Student’s ID: C9901028

Item Of Work: Bible Study on Psalm 23

Words: 992

Worth: 30% of subject mark

Date Submitted:

Due Date: Wednesday 22^nd September 1999

Signed:_____________________________ Date:______________

The movie Prince of Egypt shows us a man who was once an adopted son of Pharaoh, who became a shepherd, and then was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt to freedom. It is a movie portraying the great story of God protecting a nation from remaining in slavery, and providing for the needs of a nation as they depart for their own land. Moses, who was once a shepherd of sheep, had become a leader of a nation. This story sets the scene for where we will be going with this well-known Psalm.

What does a shepherd mean to you?

What images and feelings do you have when you read:

• "green pastures" (v2)?
• "quiet waters" (v2)?
• "restores my soul" (v3)?
• "fear no evil" (v4)?
• "shadow of death" (v4)?
• "you are with me" (v4)?
• "goodness and love will follow me" (v6)?

Psalms are songs that speak to the mind by first appealing to the heart. This means it is important to realise how we react and feel when we read a Psalm, because this can be the first step to unlocking how God is speaking to us through the Psalm.

Psalms are also an important part of God’s word to his creation. Psalms are a window to know how to speak to God in words that he inspired others to speak in the past.

Imagine being an Israelite slave in Egypt, living in oppression, working for another nation. Imagine God’s supernatural intervention, to save you and your people, with the ten plagues, the Passover, and the crossing of the Red Sea. Imagine Moses meeting God on a mountain and God making an agreement to lead your people to the Promised Land. Imagine God’s protection and provision whilst you wander the desert as a people for forty years.

Imagine these Israelites are your ancestors, and you are now living in the Promised Land. You have God’s protection and provision.

WITH THIS IN MIND

What does shepherding mean to you now?

What do "green pastures", "quiet waters", and "paths of righteousness" evoke in your heart?

What strength is used to overcome fear?

What does goodness and love mean to you?

Read John 10:11-18.

What does Jesus being a shepherd mean for you now?

What experiences, if any, have you had of Jesus as your good shepherd?

God is our protector and provider. Jesus, the Son of God, is the fulfilment of these attributes of God. Not only has Jesus protected and provided for us by gaining us salvation through the Cross, but a continuing and growing relationship with him brings further opportunities for God to protect and provide for us.

Not being a part of a small group where it was relevant or appropriate to use this study, I asked a couple of friends from church to come together in an ad hoc group. A couple of these I had been in a small group with before, but since this group has not been existing for a while the group didn't click as much as a leader would want. The dynamics of the group did not provide the best environment for sharing and reflecting, with most people being hesitant. This contributed to a "feeling" that the text did not have any life.

However, by the end of study, and particularly after one member shared their experiences, Psalm 23 became more alive and relevant to the members of the small group.

The members of this group were all Christian, and so had a firm commitment to trusting the word of God, stating that it contained truth that was unchangeable. So on an intuitive level, even though Psalm 23 was written thousands of years ago, the members of the group wanted God to speak to them personally.

From an understanding point of view (as opposed to a feeling point of view) the statements of God’s presence, God’s protection, and God’s provision in the Psalm were truths that the group knew to be as relevant today as they were when they were written. This truth started to move far more to the heart when people shared some of their experiences.

One of the study members commented that it was a Psalm that was used quite personally during times of fear. This person commented that each night, whilst in the middle of great struggles, she would read this Psalm not only for assurance, but to speak the truth of God’s great promises into her life - his comfort and support, even in the midst of fear and trouble.

It was powerful in demonstrating God was looking after them. After imagining the Psalm from the point of view of an Israelite travelling the desert, the need for a shepherd made much more sense. People in the group could see the impact a shepherd has now when life is viewed as a journey, with heaven as the final destination. The guidance, protection, and provision of one far greater than the flock touched upon the travels these people are making as Christians.

One of the major teachings that the members of the group are going through at church is learning to be more honest before God and in the church. This includes not only in word, but also in action and character - losing the masks. The Psalm connected with the group in showing that they had a carer and a leader in the midst of the painful struggle to become more honest, breaking free from middle-class barriers.

The direct link to Jesus as the good shepherd made the Psalm even more relevant – that God’s provision and protection for his people (Christians) is supplied through Jesus. Jesus, the demonstration of honesty and transparency, was the one who cared deeply for each of them. This breathed life into the written word of Psalm 23.

Anderson, A.A.

Craigie, Peter C.

Fee, Gordon D. & Stuart, Douglas.

Kidner, Derek.

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible: New International Version. Copyright Ó 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.