Jesus Plays Yahweh's Part in Psalm 23

In the last post we explored David's startling 3 act play in which Yahweh is presented as 1. the Good Shepherd (vv 1-4), 2. the Daring Host (v 5) and 3. the Good Father (v 6).

We noted, too, the progression of our (human) value in relation to Yahweh as we are 1. sheep (vv 1-4), 2. honored guests (v 5) and 3. family members who "dwell" in the house of the LORD (v 6). The scenes are: 1. green pastures, quiet waters, right paths, dark valleys (vv 1-4), 2. the tent of the host as we recline at table, are anointed with oil and served overflowing cups (v 5), 3. "the house of the LORD" (v 6).

Jesus came and played the lead roles.

Act One: The Good Shepherd
By his own confession in John 10, he is "the good shepherd." He often told stories about shepherds (Luke 15). With deep compassion, he saw people "like sheep without a shepherd."

Act Two: The Daring Host
"This man welcomes 'sinners' and eats with them" was a cutting, yet redemptively perceptive remark about Jesus. He gathered the social rabble at his Father's banqueting table. He lavished acceptance and love, bounty and protection on those scorned by "the good people" of his day. He fed 5000 and 4000 without fussing over purity/cleansing rites. He, by his ridiculously open table, demolished the self-righteous pretentiousness that controlled the meal-time habits of his people. He was a courageous host. What a friend we have in Jesus.

Act Three: The Good Son Revealing the Good Father
At the age of 12, Jesus bluntly told Mary and Joseph that he had to be engaged in his "Father's house (business/affairs)." He cleansed "his Father's house" with a whip out of zeal declaring that it was to be "a house of prayer for all nations," not reduced to "caves for terrorists." Jesus even said, "The one who has seen me has seen the Father." Jesus now is preparing rooms for us "in his Father's house" where we can "dwell" in goodness and love forever (see Psalm 23:6).

Psalm 23 and the life of Jesus.

David the poet-playwright and Jesus Yahweh incarnate.