Psalms 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
For the past several days, we have been discussing the subject of victimization. The 23rd Psalm is probably the most well known of all the Psalms. It is often read at funerals, but it is actually a Psalm of Life, Anointing, and Victory!
People who see themselves as victims seek help from others and the government. Verse 1 of the 23rd Psalm reads, The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Victimized people who are not believers in the Lord Jesus Christ do not understand that God is their Shepherd and He WILL provide for them in every way. They don’t know Him, so they have no reason to trust in His Provision.
In Biblical times, sheep were the animal of choice to raise because they served several purposes. The gestation period is a short 152 days, and ewes often give birth to twins and triplets, increasing the herd quickly. A female can be bred as early as seven months old, unlike cows, which should not be bred until they are at least two years old. In those days, sheep were used for the Daily Sacrifice as well as clothing, food, and other uses.
However, sheep are rather stupid. They will follow each other anywhere, and also wander off alone and get lost. Unlike other animals, sheep don’t look after each other too well. Therefore, they need a shepherd to watch over them.
God has provided a Great Shepherd, Jesus, for His Flock, the Body of Christ, all believers. We are like sheep who have gone astray. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; (Isaiah 53:6) The Great Shepherd never forgets one of His sheep. He wants everyone to be in the fold and will not give up on a single one. His Word promises, I will never leave you or forsake you.
This is one of the most powerful Promises of God. Jesus is our Shepherd. When we drift off and get lost, He will never stop searching for us and calling us back to Himself. He cares for each one of us like we are the only sheep he owns. So He spoke this parable to them, saying: What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ (Luke 15:1-3)
All lost sheep are victims. They cannot care for themselves. They need their Shepherd. All lost people are victims as well. They view themselves as victims. Believers who wander away from God also see themselves as victims. The Shepherd goes in search of them and never stops searching. He never gives up on us. Praise God!
His sheep know His Voice. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. (John 10:4)
As soon as a born again believer truly understands who his Shepherd is and recognizes His Voice, they will follow. At that point, they are no longer the victim of the world. They have found Victory in the Shepherd. They have no wants. Their cup runs over!
This Victory will……..turn the tide
My cup runs over! Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
