A Third Of A Mile

 Dr. Mike Murphy

 April 1, 2026

“Seven hundred and sixty-two steps.  I can still remember taking each of those steps as if it was yesterday.  The confusion and the fear that filled me, the anger and hatred that surround me.  And with each of those seven hundred and sixty-two steps, I feared each might be my last.

We had traveled so far to get to the city that day.  Days at sea, then two more days we walked to get there.  Travelling that distance so my sons might also experience Passover that year, and see my beloved city for the first time. But as we neared the city, I could all but sense the change. The bitterness and the anger greeted us before we could even get to the gates. Something had changed my city.  Something that I would later learn, would change my beloved city forever.

As we approached the gates the crowds were overwhelming.  Lining the streets in anticipation of something that was soon to occur.  I grabbed hold of each of my sons, so not to let them be separated from me by the mobs that seemed to be pouring out from every corner.  Crowds that just kept screaming words of hatred, unmercifully mocking a man whose name I did not even know. And as the crowds gathered even more, I soon realized that we were going to have to stand in the midst of that crowd until the event that had caused the mob to gather had passed.  We could simply never make our way to the Temple by trying to fight through all these people.

Suddenly, at a distance, I could see a man stumbling as he walked the street.  A man, that as he drew closer, was so beaten, so battered, that even his own family must not have been able to recognize him.  A man, who was so weak, he could barely carry himself, much less the cross they made him carry. As he approached the place my sons and I were standing, I watched as he suddenly collapsed.  Falling hard onto the stones that lined the streets. So hard, I immediately doubted he could still be alive. But slowly, I watched as his fingers began to move, and with shallow breaths, I could see the little life left in him.  As the soldiers forced him again to his feet, I thought to myself, this man cannot even carry himself, much less the weight that must come from that cross.

Before I even realized what had happened, a soldier reached to grab me, separating me from my sons, ordering me to pick up this man’s cross.  I tried to plead with them to choose another, as I had my sons there with me. But it was as if my words were silent, as the soldier continued to drag me into that street.

As I was handed that cross, all I could think of was the blood that covered it.  Blood that would stain me, leaving me unclean to attend Passover, unable to fulfill the purpose I had come for, the reason I had brought my sons to my once beloved city.  As I reached for that cross, and the soldier placed it on my shoulder, I could feel the blood completely covering me. So much blood that it was all I could do to even get a grip.  I remember thinking to myself, how could any man even have this much blood? How could this much blood pour out from a man and him still be alive, much less carry this cross?

So many steps we had taken before I looked over to see this man who was carrying this cross with me.  So many steps we had taken where I had felt nothing but anger at this man, for putting me in this position.  So many steps of having the crowd spit on me, as they spit at him. Throwing anything they could find at me, as they lashed out at this man.  With each step, I not only feared for my life, but feared my two sons might see my life taken before their very eyes. But as I glanced in this man’s eyes, the strangest of feelings came over me,  It was not hatred, denial, disappointment, or even agony I saw as I looked into those eyes. All my eyes would allow me to see was a love that pierced all the way to my soul. And as we arrived at the top of that hill, where they were preparing to crucify him, I suddenly found my eyes could not look away.  As my sons ran to me, I stood in front of them with eyes full of tears. Tears, that no matter how hard I tried, I could not make stop. I watched as they raised him on that cross I had helped him carry. I watched as he struggled in pain to take each breath. I listened as he called to the Lord, not to curse all who had placed him on that cross, but asking for their forgiveness.  I watched as he offered that same forgiveness to a guilty man who hung on the cross beside him, telling that man how hope would be his eternal. And I watched as the sky turned to darkness as his final breath left his body.

I watched that day as I saw it all, knowing in the depths of my heart, I had just seen all.  And in that moment, I could so vividly hear the words of the Lord speaking to me. Words from Him, that reminded me of the promise Isaiah had brought to my people.  Words I had not read for years, but words I would never again forget. Words that said, ‘Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.’

In that moment, as I watched them take down His limp and lifeless body, I realized that I did not have to go to the Temple that day, nor ever would again. The Lord had not brought me to Jerusalem to see the lamb sacrificed, but so I might experience and witness the sacrifice of the Lamb. In that moment, I realized the blood that now covered me had not left my clothes stained, but had washed me as white as snow.  Because the Lord showed me on that day, it was not me who was carrying His cross. It was He, for each step of that third of a mile, who had been carrying mine.”

With each step, I pray you remember who is carrying your cross today.

I Am Pilate!

Dr. Mike Murphy

March 31, 2026

“There was something in his eyes that was different.  Something separated him from all the others that had appeared before me.  So many had been brought in front of me to judge in this rebellious country, they became nothing more than faces without a face. Names spoken without a sound.  But something in his face brought his name to my lips, something in the sound of his voice caused me to speak it.”

“He was unlike any man I had ever met.  Most came in front of me filled with fear, speaking whatever words they thought I wished to hear so their life might be spared.  But in his voice, I could hear no fear.  In his eyes I could see only a certainty, as if he knew my words before I spoke them.  It was as if death had no hold over him, and my words and my judgement brought no fright or panic to him.”

“Twice that day, I tried to place his future into the hands of others, hoping both times they would do what I could not bring myself to do.  But twice that day, his future, his life, fell back into my hands.  Although I found no fault in him, my own ambitions required me to be the judge over him.  So as I sent him to his death, I washed my hands of him.  But as the hours and the days passed, I found that although I had washed my hands, I could not wash away my thoughts.”

“Since that day, I have passed judgement on more men that I could begin to count.  I have sent more men to their death than I could ever begin to number. But among all the men, among all those faces, one still haunts me.  One face, one voice, never escapes me. One set of eyes that were unlike any other.”

Many names from history stand out before us, implanted in our minds and unable to escape our thoughts.  Men and women of valor, like George Washington, Winston Churchill, and Joan of Arc.  Brilliant minds like Isaac Newton, Copernicus, Madam Curie, and Albert Einstein.  Villains of evil, like Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Ivan the Terrible, and Attila the Hun.  Men and women of God, like Moses, Abraham, David, and Deborah.  But as we approach the Easter season, a name from history always comes to our minds. One not known for his heroism or for his intellect.  One we remember for the decision he made on a day that changed history.  The name of that man, Pontius Pilate. 

Although Pilate is a name that we all know, little is truly known about the man.  From AD 26-36, Pontius Pilate served as governor of Judea for Emperor Tiberius of Rome. Besides his name appearing in the Gospels, it is also recorded by such historians as Tacitus, Philo, and Josephus.  In 1961, a famous engraving know as the Pilate Stone was found. Writings on the stone dated its’ origins to AD 30, and on the stone Pilate was described as “Prefect”(overseer) of Judea. 

In the Gospels, Pilate is mentioned solely in connection with the the trial and last events of Christ.  The Gospels portray Pilate as a man who was reluctant to send Christ to the Cross.  He stated that the charges brought against Christ were baseless, and more than once proclaimed Christ as an innocent man.  The Book of Matthew(Matthew 27:19), indicates that Pilate received a message from his wife, warning him to not be involved in the trial of this righteous man.  But despite all he saw, all the warnings given him, it was a trial that Pilate went forward with.  A trial, he is still to this day remembered for.

In the Gospel of John, we are given a very detailed account of the trial of Christ, and are told much of the conversation between Jesus and Pilate.  John tells us that Jesus acknowledged that He was a king, and that He, alone, represented the truth.  To this, Pilate replied, “What is truth?”  This question, these three words, would set the stage for all that was about to happen.  As Prefect of Judea, Pilate was set as a judge over the people.  As a judge, he was called on to seek the truth.  But here we see a judge, who by his own question, did not know or recognize the truth.  A human judge, perplexed and bewildered by the truth, would sit in judgement over the Righteous Judge of all mankind.

Before he was done, Pilate would seek a compromise to avoid the truth he did not understand.  Knowing that Jesus had been handed over to him, not out of guilt, but out of the envy of the religious leaders, Pilate decide to form a plan to get him out of the middle of this problem.  It had become a custom for a prisoner of the people’s choosing to be released at the time of Passover each year.  Pilate then picked the worst person he could possibly find, a murderer and man convicted of insurrection.  A man by the name of Barabbas. There is an interesting find in the meaning of Barabbas’ name, as the name means “son of the father”. On that day, Pilate gave the people a choice of who they wanted released. Barabbas, “son of the father”.  Or Jesus, the true Son of the Father.  

Pilate found himself amazed by the name the people yelled out.  Because the religious leaders had persuaded the crowd, Pilate heard the overwhelming cry that day for him to release Barabbas.  Unable to believe the name he heard, Pilate asked the crowd, “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?”. Their reply, amazed him even more, “Crucify him!”.  Knowing he could not sentence a man who had not been convicted of a crime, Pilate replied to the cries of the crowd, “Why, what evil has he done?”  Again, he heard the words, “Crucify him!”. More afraid of the crowd rioting and damaging his public reputation and standing, than he was of sending an innocent man to his death, Pilate commanded for Jesus to be flogged, and delivered to be crucified.

As tragic as the events of that day were, no tragedy was greater than what happened that day to Pilate.  He ignored his responsibilities as judge.  He disregarded the warning his wife gave him.  He chose his own selfish pride over the life of an innocent man. And he failed to acknowledge and accept the truth, when the Truth was standing right in front of him. 

So what became of Pilate?  What happened to his life after that unforgettable day? The writings of Philo and Josephus both give us information about Pilate.  Both describe Pilate as an insensitive and often brutal man, who had little regard for the Jewish people or to their religious beliefs.  Both tell us he insulted the people by placing pagan gods on their currency. Josephus wrote that as Pilate brought troops in from Caesarea to Jerusalem, he had the troops bring in idolatrous statues of Roman emperors to be placed in the courtyard of the Temple. Josephus tells us that this was done by the cover of night, so that the Jewish people would not be aware of what was happening until the statues were already in place. Philo tells us of how Pilate reappropriated Temple funds to build aqueducts.  As the Jews protested this action, Pilate had Roman soldiers disguise themselves among the people.  At his command a signal was given, and the Roman soldiers openly attacked the people in the streets.

Historians tell us, that in the year that Emperor Tiberius died, Pilate was removed from office because of charges brought against him.  It was stated that Pilate was openly executing people without ever giving them a trial.  Eusebius tells us that Pilate was exiled to Gaul, and it was here that Pilate took his own life.

As we remember Pilate today, most look at the man and see the one who sent Jesus to be crucified.  But when I look at Pilate, the image that stares back at me is a familiar one. As I look at the man who had Christ flogged, and who sent Christ to the Cross, it is not Pilate’s image I see.  It is my own.  As I look closely, I realize, I am Pilate. It was me who sent Him to be scourged, and it was me who placed the thorns on His head.

For years of my life, I sat in the judgement seat of Pilate.  Day after day, Christ was brought in front of me.  I looked directly into His eyes, and I asked the same question that Pilate once asked.  As the Truth stood right in front of me, I turned to my selfish pride and my own foolish stubbornness.  I looked into the face of an innocent and righteous man, but I only heard the cries of the crowd.

As I look even closer, I realize that I was far more cruel, and far more lost than Pilate ever was.  As Christ spoke to Pilate, He told him that those who had handed Him over were guilty of the “greater sin”.  Meaning that those who had handed Him over to Pilate, knew all the signs and prophecies that identified Him as the Messiah, that unmistakably pointing to Jesus as the Son of God.  They were aware of who He was, not ignorant of why He had come to this earth.  They knew He was God, but denied the Truth that was evident in front of them.  This was me.  I knew who Christ was, I knew He was God.  I knew the Truth that stood in front of me, but I denied that Truth because of the changes it would require of me.  I simply found it easier to hear the voices of the crowd, than to accept Christ as my Savior. More willing to follow the crowd, than to allow God’s Word to rule my life.  So not just once, like Pilate, but each day I sent Christ away, and washed my hands of what I knew and saw.

But praise the Lord, Christ is patient.  And praise the Lord, the Holy Spirit is persistent.  Praise the Lord that Christ returned to that judgement seat I sat on each day, and that each day He continued to speak the Truth to me.  And praise the Lord, that the day came when I heard the voice of an Innocent Man speaking the Truth, louder than the shouts of the crowd.

Today, Christ stands in front of you, speaking the Truth to you.  You sit in the exact seat that Pilate once sat in.  The exact seat that I sat in for so many days. Will you look into His eyes, and see the Truth that stands so obviously in front of you?  Or will you hear the voices of those who selfishly deny Him, and the crowds who call for you to send Him away? Will you fall on your knees before Him, or will you wash your hands of Him? That choice is yours, and yours to make alone. But as this day ends, I pray you will not repeat the words that haunted so many of my past days. Three words I pray you will never be heard to say, “I am Pilate”.

May you be led by the Truth, not by the crowd.

A New Year's Resolution List For The Church

Dr. Mike Murphy
January 1, 2026

Each day, we watch as the darkness grows.  As society looks to push the Lord as far away as possible, and this world looks for new ways to silence the voice of us who believe.  But as the darkness grows, hope does not begin to fade, as in the midst of the greatest darkness, the Light shines the brightest. This might be a world that wants us less than ever, but this is a world that needs us more than ever.  A world in tremendous need of seeing that Light, as it reflects and radiates with such brilliance in each of us.

In the darkest of hours, this could be one of the Church’s greatest moments, if only this Church would just remember the call the Lord has given us. And as I think back on that call, I find myself writing down three resolutions for this Church in the coming year. Three simple resolutions, that if this Church would take to heart, would remind this Church just what it means to be the Church.

Resolution Number 1.  Remember what the reflection of Christ looks like.

Philippians 3;10 tells us, “My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” A follower of Christ, should always look to center their life around Christ. And as we place Him in the center, we start to look more like Him each and everyday. Our days are soon found with us talking about Him, filling our moments thinking of Him, and looking for ways we came spend more time with Him. The greatest desire of our life is soon found in ways we can please Him, and in finding ways we can serve Him.  Knowing that the more we glorify Him, the more each glimpse others get of us will reflect Him.

The more in this coming year this Church can look to place Christ at the center of our life, the more this world will see the Light when they take a close look at this Church.

Resolution Number 2.  Make our words sound a lot more like His words.

1 Corinthians 2:16 speaks to us, “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”  Every answer, to every question we might ask, can be found all in one place. In the pages of His Word, because there, alone, all truth can be found.  All man can ever offer to the questions this world might have is opinion. But in His Word, is found the wisdom of definite answers.

If in the coming year, this Church will not look to itself for solutions, but turn to the Lord for answers, we can show the world the difference that only Christ can make.  A difference that will not leave man worried about tomorrow, but will offer him the hope of what tomorrow will bring. A tomorrow, not just filled with more questions, but a tomorrow, that is brimming with answers.

Resolution Number 3.  Memorize the words of the Great Commission by heart.

     In Matthew 28:19-20, Christ spoke to us, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."  These are not words that should just jump of the pages of Scripture at us when we read them, but should be words that are ingrained into our minds every single day. Words that should never stray far from the tip of our tongue. Never forgetting what a precious gift we have received with each of these words, because these words reveal to us the very heart of our Lord.

In the coming year, this Church should repeat those words to ourselves so often that we are left hoarse. Words that not only find us bringing the Good News to others, but find us teaching the truth of Christ to all who will listen. Words that not only lead us to teach others about the love of Christ, but shows all how to joyfully follow in His footsteps.

I pray that in the coming year, this Church will take each of these resolutions to heart.  Remembering the love, the joy, the truth, the grace, and the wisdom, that comes from all three of these resolutions.  Words, that if taken to heart, will find this Church reflecting His light so bright into this world, that darkness will soon seek itself for cover.

May each day of this year find your reflection of Him a little brighter!

A Rhythmless Man Gets Invited To The Dance

Dr. Mike Murphy
October 15, 2025

The Lord has blessed me in many ways.  He has given me gifts that I am very thankful for.  But of all the gifts He has given me, He never looked my direction when it came to dancing. Plain and simple, I cannot dance!  I dance like Steve Urkel on caffeine.  If I did a rain dance we would have a drought for the next three years.  My name and rhythm is an oxymoron.  It is just wrong for both to even appear in the same sentence.  But this last week, I have had dancing on my mind.

A brother in Christ, Bart Millard, wrote the famous words, “Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel.  Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of you be still?”.  What powerful words! Words that brings us to the reality of that promised day we will each experience.  A day we rarely think about, but a day we all know we will see and face.  What will our reaction be on that day? Will we find ourselves on our knees in shame?  Or will we dance with joy?

Over the last few days, that reaction has become a reality for me.  The events of this past week have keep the words of Bart’s song on my mind.  I prayed several times this week with a man who was dying.  A man whose life was filled with regret.  A man who had come to know that God was real, but could not come to accept Christ as his Savior.  A man who had fallen so far, but could not fall to his knees in prayer.

I also prayed with another close friend of mine this week.  A longtime friend who has forever changed my life.  A friend who has always been there for me.  A woman after God’s own heart, who lives each day for Christ.  I prayed and watched as she went through a medical procedure. Her fate had already been decided by her faith, but the body they worked on is one that many in this world would deeply miss.  I praised the Lord, as the news of her procedure came back positive, knowing her love for Christ would be shared with many here for years to come.

One, who I fear found himself on his knees in shame this week.  Another who I know will one day dance in the presence of the Lord.  The reality of that day, and the reaction that would come, very real as I look at both of their lives.

As many of you know, I am in the last stages of cancer.  Although that day is not on me just yet, I can hear its’ footsteps, and can feel it approaching.  Each day, I can feel the events of that day take a greater toll on me than they did the month or week before.  The reality of the cancer does not surprise me.  It is a part of my life, an inevitable part of this life I am glad the Lord has given me the strength to work through and around.   But each day I am amazed.  As this life slowly escapes me each day, I feel His love taking its’ place.  I can feel His arms surrounding me, and each day He holds me in those arms and allows me to rest my body in His Holiness. He shows me a little more each day, that the grasp He has on me is stronger than my struggle with cancer.

But that grasp should not surprise me, as I have felt it pulling me close for many years now.  Several years ago, the Lord sought out a rebellious young man.  When He found him, He found a man consumed with himself, living his life for his own needs and his own greed.  I am so thankful each day, that His will was stronger than my desires.  The Lord reached into the pits of Hell to pull out the most undeserving man He could find in me.  He showed me the truth, and He gave my life purpose.  My life was no longer consumed by my wants, but would come to be defined by His needs.

In the years ahead, the Lord taught me His wisdom, and trained me in His ways.  He soon called me to walk a different path, a path that would lead me to serving Him. Somewhere in my mind, I could not understand this call.  How could the Lord possibly use such an undeserving man?  So I ran from that call, as far and fast as I could.  But praise the Lord, He ran faster and farther than me. Each step of the way, He brought my focus back to the foot of the Cross.  He showed me that the day I first found myself there on my knees, this undeserving man was made deserving.

As my faith grew, the Lord began to give me opportunities to share His mercy and grace with those around me.  To share with others what He had done in my life, and to show them what an awe-inspiring difference that only He could make in theirs.  One of these opportunities was to share Christ with one of my closest and oldest friends from college.  On several occasions I told him of what Christ had done in my life.  I watched and listened at first as he would quickly change the subject.  Over time, and through many prayers, I saw him begin to ask me questions about the Lord.  

One day he messaged me, asking if I would talk to him about Christ, and what it meant to be saved.  I messaged him back, and told him I would like nothing more.  It was a very hectic week, so I asked him if he had time to talk about it in a couple of days.  As I called him a few days later, my heart stopped.  I soon learned that the night before, the tire on his car had blown out while on a back road coming home.  His car flipped several times, and in the crash he died immediately.

That call haunts me to this day.  I will never know if my delay to talk to him about Christ was at the cost of his eternity.  What was the price of my excuse of a hectic schedule?  If I had picked up the phone that day, and spent just a hour of my time talking to him, where would my friend be today?  My failure to give a few minutes of my time that day, has resulted in endless hours of regret since.  I cannot tell you the days I have prayed the Lord will forgive me for this lost chance.  And the time that haunts me wondering if he is dancing for joy today, or on his knees in shame.  An opportunity gone, a time of joy that may have never been gained.

Please, please, hear my words.  The opportunity the Lord places in your hands today, can be a lifetime cherished tomorrow.  Or it can be a lost reality that may never come your way again.  Make this day count for the Lord.  These opportunities not only allow us to bring glory to God, they bless our lives in ways we can never begin to measure.  These opportunities show the world, there are no coincidences when it comes the God.  He has had a purpose in mind from the start, and He wants nothing more than to see in our actions His plan being fulfilled. That our willing reply to His call will bring glory to His name. Whether we accept, and then follow through with these opportunities or not, the Lord’s purpose and plan will be fulfilled, and His glory will be shown.  If not us, He will call on another who will be willing to help fulfill His plan.  The choice is ours.  Will we experience regret, for not being there when the Lord needs us most?  Or will we share in the joy, as we watch His purpose and plan being fulfilled?

With my life as an example, I pray each of you will take to heart this one request I make. Dance!  Dance with joy before the Lord!  Dance, because of the difference that only He could have made in your life!  As He holds you close, dance, for the love He has for you! And dance, for each of the opportunities He gives you to share that love with those around you each day! Never forget, the opportunity or call He gives you today, is a dance of joy you will get to share with someone else tomorrow.  Please do not let these opportunities slip away for you today. There will be no greater joy than when you look across that ballroom floor on a future day, and see the loving faces of all those whose life the Lord has led you to invite to the dance.  Just please remember, hold on tight to Christ, always let Him lead, and cherish the gracefulness of this dance!

For me, this life has been nothing short of amazing.  The Lord has used my life in ways I could have never imagined. His wisdom and grace has lead me in directions I never thought I would, or could, have gone. But one thing still amazes me the most. The Lord sent this rhythmless man an invitation to the dance!

On a future day, I cannot wait to share a dance with each of you!  

The Perfect Day

Dr, Mike Murphy

September 27, 2025

Recently I asked several people, “What would be your perfect day?” Some of their answers made me smile.  One woman told me that perfection would come if for just one day she could get her husband and her children to actually listen to her.  Another elderly woman told me that her perfect day would be finding a spot close to the door when she went to the local Walmart.  One first grade teacher told me that her perfect day would be not having to use the words ‘be quiet” more than twenty times.  One man told me that his would involve the words “lottery” and “jackpot”.  While another man told me his perfect day would only come when the Marlins again won the World Series.  As a big sports fan, I quickly let him know that his perfect day would first require a miracle!

After hearing many responses, one thing quickly became apparent.  Each had a different definition of perfection.  Some defined perfection in the lives of others, while some saw it only occurring when it involved their own life.  

With this in mind, I looked up the definition of the word perfect.  Merriam-Webster describes perfect as “flawless, to be made complete”.  So by this definition. for someone to experience perfection, one would first have to be made flawless, they would have to be made complete.  So what makes us complete? How can we recognize perfection if we have never seen it?   

Only One who is perfect can show us what perfection looks like.  And only One who is perfect, could ever show us what is needed to stand perfect in His sight.  Each day, Christ shows us a glimpse of that perfection, and gives us a little glimpse of what that perfection could look like in our lives. Each day, Christ shows us the patience that perfection requires.  The patience it takes to understand each of us, and to give us a way to overcome our imperfections. Sometimes, He shows us a glimpse of this perfection in a single moment.  While other times, it requires patience, taking us a lifetime to understand.

To best understand perfection, we need to look no farther than the writings of an imperfect man.  A man by the name of David.  It would be hard to find a more imperfect man than David.  But at times, the Lord gives us a glimpse of perfection as He worked through the life of David.  I often ask myself, why was the Lord so patient with David?  And how did the Lord often achieve such perfection through the life of such an imperfect man?  The answer is quite simple! David knew his imperfection, but he also knew where he could find perfection. David knew that perfection could only be found in the name of the Lord!  

Anyone who may doubt this, need look no farther than David’s own words. They need only to read the twenty-third Psalm.  Let us take a look at the words of David in this psalm, and see the perfection that David describes.

The Lord Is My Shepherd(Perfect Salvation)

Sheep were completely at the mercy of the shepherd.  As a shepherd, David understood this well.  He knew that the very life of the sheep depended on the shepherd.  The shepherd, feed and tended to the sheep.  The fields of ancient Israel were filled with roaming beasts, that would attack the sheep.  It was the shepherd that protected the sheep.  He was willing to lay down his life so that the sheep could live.  The shepherd also knew that sheep were easily frightened, and could easily become confused.  Sheep would often become lost, and could be lead astray by outside distractions.  The shepherd would keep the flock in sight, guiding them to where they needed to be.

It is no mistake that Christ is called the Good Shepherd(John 10:1-18, Hebrew 13:20).  It is Christ who pulls us close, and gave His life so that we may live.  He offers us guidance, and keeps us from the evil of this world.  In Christ we see our Shepherd, and we see our perfect salvation!

Two other words of this verse I want us to also look at.  David writes the word “is”.  Not that the Lord “was” or “will be”, but “is” our Shepherd.  David knew that the Lord was right there, with him every minute, guiding his every step. Also, look at the word ”my”.  David tells us the Lord is “my” shepherd.  Not that the Lord is the shepherd of the flock, but is a shepherd who looks after each of His sheep. David tells us that God is our ‘personal shepherd”, that His perfect salvation is for each of us.

I Shall Not Want(Perfect Fulfillment)

When the sheep were hungry, the shepherd feed them.  When they were cold, the shepherd found them warmth.  And when the sheep were tired, the shepherd found them a place of peaceful rest.  The shepherd provided for the needs of the sheep.  When we, as believers in Christ, follow our Shepherd, we have the promise that He will provide us with everything we will need(Luke 12:22-30).  The Lord not only provides us with everything we will need to find Him, but to live our life for Him.  In Christ, every need is fulfilled, because He alone is our perfect fulfillment.

He Maketh Me To Lie Down In Green Pastures(Perfect Rest)

When we look at the landscape around Bethlehem, we soon realize that green pastures were not around every corner.  The shepherd would have to lead the sheep through trying terrain so that the sheep could find the nourishment and comfort that the green pastures offered. The same is with us today.  In our hectic world, Christ often has to slow us down, giving us a moment to be fed by His Word(Matthew 4:4), and a time to rest in His Presence(Hebrews 4:9-10). Only in Christ do we find the nourishment to sustain us, and the perfect rest to replenish and comfort us.

He Leadeth Me Beside The Still Waters(Perfect Peace)

Despite how thirsty they may become, sheep will not drink from moving waters.  So often the shepherd would dam up or block the streams so that the waters would become still, and the sheep would drink.  In Christ, we find our still and living waters(John 4:14), the quiet of His Presence that brings us perfect peace.

He Restoreth My Soul(Perfect Restoration)

When the shepherd had lead the sheep to the lush pastures, and they had been brought to still waters, the sheep would become calm, taking comfort in the situation they found themselves in.  Their life and energy would be restored, preparing them for the next day.  In Christ we find our redeeming grace, the words and waters that replenish and restore us, preparing us for whatever may lie ahead.  In the fields that Christ has lead us, and in the waters that only Christ can offer us, we find our perfect restoration.

He Leadeth Me In The Paths Of Righteousness For His Name’s Sake(Perfect Guidance)

The Hebrew word used here for paths actually means “well traveled paths”.  Sometimes the shepherd would have to lead the sheep great distances in order to find the fields and water they needed.  As he did, the shepherd would take his sheep on proven paths, those that had been traveled many times before. The shepherd knew these paths well, as he had traveled these paths his whole life.  He knew these paths would keep his sheep from dangers, and he knew the trouble that could lie on other paths.

Like the shepherd, Christ guides us down proven paths, paths that steer us away from the dangers of the world around us.  Paths that are safe, the trusted “paths of righteousness”. Our Shepherd knows these paths like the back of His hand, and offers us perfect guidance.

Yea, Though I Walk Through The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death, I Will Fear No Evil(Perfect Shelter)

Sheep often made easy targets for the predators that roamed the area. And when not threatened by predators, sheep could often be their worst enemies. When not watched over constantly, sheep would often wander off on their own. As they did, they would often become fearful and startled, some so frightened it would cause them to have a heart attack, bringing on their own death.  Knowing this, the shepherd would gather the sheep to him, protecting them from the predators that could lie in the darkness.

Our world today is also filled with predators, agents of Satan that lie in the darkness waiting to strike(1 Peter 5:8).   In the protective hands of Christ, evil cannot find a way to attack us, and a way to destroy us.  Through Christ’ perfect shelter, we are safeguarded from the dangers this world would bring our way.

For Thou Art With Me(Perfect Companionship)

Each day, the shepherd would often speak aloud, enabling the sheep to feel secure by hearing his voice.  It reminded the sheep of his presence, and they took comfort that he was always nearby.  The same is with us today.  We can take comfort that Christ is always close, and walks each step we take with us. We hear His voice as He is there to comfort us, to calm our fears, to give us encouragement, and to remind us of His ways.  Each day we hear Him speak, and we know that right besides us stands our perfect companion.

Thy Rod And Thy Staff They Comfort Me(Perfect Comfort)

From the moment a boy began to train to become a shepherd, he carried a rod and a staff.  The rod was used for protection, and could be deadly in the hands of a gifted shepherd. The shepherd would also use the rod for another very important purpose.  As the sheep would pass by, the shepherd would hold the rod over the sheep, using it to help him count each.  This brought his attention to each sheep, ensuring he knew and recognized all as part of his fold.

The staff quickly identified the shepherd.  No other profession has ever had the need to carry a piece of equipment like a staff.  The staff was ideal to care for and manage sheep.  With its’ length, the shepherd would use it to guide the sheep.  Tapping them on the side as they went, keeping each in line.  The hooked end also served a special purpose.  With it the shepherd could gently, but firmly, pull the sheep back to him as it began to stray.  And it enabled the shepherd to lift a young lamb out of danger, placing him back near the comfort of his mother and the other sheep.

In the hands of our skilled Shepherd, the rod and staff protect us the same today.  He uses them to protect us from the evil and dangers around us, and to gentle bring us back into the fold when we begin to stray.  Keeping a count of us, knowing when even one of us are not there.  We find perfect comfort when we look at Christ, and see the rod and the staff He has in His hands.

Thou Preparest A Table Before Me In The Presence Of Mine Enemies(Perfect Provision)

We have seen as David described to us the perfect shepherd, now he shows us the perfect host.  Despite what many may think, the two did go hand in hand.  As people would travel the countryside from city to city, it was often the shepherd who would serve as their host. Offering them the comfort of his house or tent, and the hospitality of his table.  Custom taught that once a man entered your dwelling, he could no longer be viewed as your enemy, but only as your valued guest.  The value of the guest went beyond measure, and the host would protect the guest with his very life.  All the host had was available to the guest; his home, his food, his fellowship, and his protection.

No matter what we may have done, or what we may have said, when we accept the Lord’s invitation and enter His presence, we become His valued guest. As we find ourselves a guest in His house, we soon discover the mercy and the grace of our Host.  His offers us all He has, and gives us all we need.  In His house we lack for nothing, and find that all is provided for us.

Thou Anointest My Head With Oil(Perfect Blessing)

As a guest arrived in your house, one of the greatest honors you could bestow on them would be to anoint their head with oil.  It showed the value you shared for your esteemed guest, and placed them in a position of honor.  It showed your guest that you viewed their presence the same as if your house was being visited by a king or a priest.  

As we, today, accept Christ’ invitation, and enter His house, we too are anointed with oil(1 John 2:20).  We are made to be kingdom priest(Revelation 1:6), and we are given the perfect blessing of knowing that we will reign with Christ forever.

My Cup Runneth Over(Perfect Joy)

As the host sat his guest at his table and welcomed them, he would overflow their cup.  This showed his guest they were welcome to all he had, and could stay as long as they wanted.

As we sit at the Lord’s table, we watch as He overflows our cup.  He offers us all He has in abundance, and assures us that His house is now ours(John 14:3).  We can take joy in the assurance that our cup overflows.

Surely Goodness And Mercy Shall Follow Me All The Days Of My Life(Perfect Care)

As the guest was so graciously welcomed, he would often reply, “Your goodness surrounds me”.  He was telling his host that his act was unselfish, giving of himself so freely showed a goodness that blessed all those around him.

As we find ourselves at the Lord’s table, we cannot help but see and feel His goodness. His mercy and grace so overwhelms our life, that His goodness shows in each of us.  There is no goodness that does not start with the hands of the Lord(James 1:17).  And as a guest at His table, we have the promise of having a place at that table each of our eternal days(John 3:16). We have the promise that the Lords perfect care will always be there, filling each of us with His goodness.

And I Will Dwell In The House Of The Lord Forever(Perfect Future)

As we read this verse, we watch as David took the graciousness of the host to a level no man could know or understand through his own logic.  There was once a famous Greek saying that said, “Guest are like a fish, after three days they begin to stink.”  A guest in the Lord’s house is not just welcome for three days, or three weeks, or even for three years.  We receive an everlasting invitation, we are welcome in His house forever.   Forever is an amount of time most of us can never imagine.  But we have the promise that an eternity as a guest in the Lord’s House will be nothing short of amazing(1 Corinthians 2:9). We have the promise of a perfect future.

No one can read this psalm and not see the true understanding that David had of the Lord’s plan of perfection for each of our lives. The love and desire that David had for the Lord. His yearning to change the imperfect man he knew he was, to the perfect man the Lord knew he would one day be.  The eternal perfection that David knew he would one day experience at the Shepherd’s house. But David’s story should not surprise us.  His story is each of our stories. Each of us see the Lord’s perfection as His hand moves in our lives.  Sometimes we see a glimpse of that perfection in the most peaceful of times, when His perfect rest and His perfect joy envelopes us.  Other times we feel that perfection in the most turbulent of times, when His perfect guidance and His perfect comfort encompasses us.

As we watch the chaos of this world around us, I pray each of you will seek a glimpse of perfection.  That each of you will seek the Lord’s face, and that each of you will find His plan of perfection.  I pray that each of you will accept the invitation that is awaiting you to the Shepherd’s house.  That you will find your way to His table, and smile as your cup overflows. That your eyes will water as His anointing oil runs down your face.  I pray that one day I will share with each of you the joy and experience of a true perfect day!

Praying David’s words will become your words!