Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (KJV)
Twentieth century western culture does not provide
us with the depth of understanding we need to truly appreciate Who our
LORD is as our Shepherd. Psalm 23 is far from a "death song";
it is a true celebration of and description of our Father's
compassionate love for us as His children.
Jehovah Roi has dedicated Himself to
finding us when we are lost, pulling thorns and briars out of our wool,
rubbing our cuts, bites and wounds with His healing balm, finding rich
pastures for us and clear, sweet water to drink. This faithful Shepherd
continually watches over us, protecting us from predators.
Psalm 23 not only honors our Lord as the Shepherd,
but through it David also indirectly exalts Him in other aspects of His
character. As that tender Shepherd, we have no reason to want for
anything (v.2) because He is our Jehovah-jireh, and He shall provide. He
leads us beside still waters and invites to drink of His living waters.
There we meet Him as Jehovah Shalom, our Peace
and Jehovah Rophe, our Healer, Who restores our soul (v.3). He reveals
Himself as Jehovah Tsidkenu, when He leads us in the paths of
righteousness (v.3). Jehovah Shammah (The LORD Is There) is with us at
all times and knowing this, we have no need to be afraid of any evil
(v.4)...after all, He is My Banner (Jehovah Nissi) and My Shield
(Jehovah Magen)! He has created us for His pleasure, and as Jehovah
Mekaddishkhem, has sanctified us and set us apart for His purposes by
anointing our heads with the oil of His Holy Spirit.
"Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel. You who lead
Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine
forth!" (Psalm 80:1) We worship You as our Shepherd who sits on the
mercy seat between the angels. May we be covered in Your many-colored
robe of favor. May we be blessed to see your face smile upon us. We
desire to spend time on Your hillsides and in Your pastures. Restore our
souls so that we may give ourselves back to You, as living sacrifices to
do Your perfect will.
The green in this flag moves from grassy tones to
olive colors, depicting both the pastures of rest and provision as well
as the olive oil used to anoint (sanctify) and heal. The magenta
symbolizes the wounds that we suffer on our journey, but which were
healed by His stripes. What is so unique about this particular flag is
that it has become more than the "Jehovah Roi" flag. It is
more of a "One Flag Fits All Needs and Names" as we worship
Him as David did in Psalm 23!
Our Lord has promised to inhabit our praises. As
we worship Him, His presence comes forth as might rushing waters, and in
Him there is healing, peace, deliverance, life and salvation. See
Ezekiel 47.
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