REFLECTION: Psalm 23

This week we looked at Psalm 23 in worship. Each of the lines and phrases of Psalm 23 carries layers of meaning and metaphor. One of those is the opening image of laying down in green pastures. Sheep have little or no natural defenses. They are not fast runners. They have to horns, sharp teeth or claws. So they are uncertain and cautious, skittish and timid. They will not lie down unless they feel absolutely, safe and comfortable. That means they are sufficiently fed, there is no sense of predators nearby, and they feel safe from the pecking order intimidation and behavior of the flock. Some of that fundamental instinct lies in all of us. We cannot relax and ‘let down our guard’ in any social situation until we feel safe. While our basic needs of food and shelter are rarely a concern, our sense of social safety is. We are not comfortable if we sense that there are people around us looking for an opportunity to put us down. We feel insecure if we are not sure of our ‘place in the social structure’ of the setting, whether it is a party, a night out with a group, a corporate business gathering, just another day at the job or even a church coffee hour.

For some folks that insecurity is enhanced by circumstances beyond their control from skin color, to country of origin, to accents and language, to gender, to age, to economic class, to political stance to sexual orientation to marriage status….. and the list goes on.

Take a look at the ESpire Family Devotion background on Jonah that our children and youth are studying in church school. Reflect on this in the context of our current political and cultural conversation on race and discrimination.

Our faith and our denomination emphasize an extravagant welcome that proclaims that ‘No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.’ But bringing that teaching into our homes, our language, our behaviors, our workplaces, our church and our neighborhoods…and our town is a deeper challenge than we sometimes recognize or admit.

What makes it possible for you to ‘lie down in green pastures’?

Where is Christ inviting you to help others ‘lie down in green pastures’?