Over the years, the Shepherd-Lord took flesh and died for his sheep—thus, he led the way through a dark valley to pastures beyond. We follow without fear. And if we should falter, he takes us home in his arms (Lk 15:5-6). To such a shepherd, we sing our hymn. But if, with the psalmist, we may change our picture, he is also our generous host. The overflowing cup he offers was dearly bought: ‘Drink! This is my blood that shall be shed.’
We will keep going until we reach the Promised Land. As we travel, this psalm will give us light and comfort. We do not look forward to the sleep of death but to the resurrection that brings us to the Father. Do we need any more reassurance than that to become true Christians, meaning Christ-like?
The original manuscript uses the phrase ‘Yahweh is my shepherd.’ Since this psalm is a familiar, everyday prayer for pastoral purposes, we use the well-known expression ‘The Lord is my shepherd.’