Your Daily Slice

 

NISAN 15

Green Pastures

 

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures …” (Ps 23:2)

 

When our youngest son was born, he hit the ground in a hurry.  Always on the move, he walked – no, ran – earlier than any of our other children, at around 9 months.  And he hasn’t stopped since.  Inactivity was only found during periods of deep sleep in our son’s life, though falling asleep was never much of a problem – he wore himself out!  Even now, in his early forties, Justin is always busy, doing something.

 

It is the same with many of us.  We run here, we run there, to the point that all this running is counter-productive, and absolutely exhausting.  Sometimes we must be made to stop, and simply rest. 

 

The phrase “He makes me to lie down” is translated from one Hebrew word:  râbats (Strong’s H7257).  The implication is that one is totally stretched out in rest and relaxation, comfortable and at peace.  That our Great Shepherd would firmly stop our aimless and pointless wandering, making us stretch out and relax is a wonderful example of His care and concern for us.

 

Sheep need green and healthy pastures to survive.  The word translated as ‘pastures’ is the word nâ'âh (Strong’s H4999), and while it does mean a pasture or a meadow, it also means a dwelling, habitation, or abode.  The resulting picture we see is a place of health and sustenance, one of security and growth.  Thank You, my Father …

  

“And I shall bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the lands, and shall bring them to their own land. And I shall feed them on the mountains of Yisra’ĕl, in the valleys, and in all the dwellings of the land.  In good pasture I shall feed them, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Yisra’ĕl. They shall lie there in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Yisra’ĕl.  I shall feed My flock and make them lie down,” declares the Master יהוה.” (Eze 34:13-15)

  

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