Dolly -- Christian Theology Discussion Group

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Date Posted: 11:34:53 08/15/02 Thu
Author: tamarisk
Subject: Dolly

You referenced either a Dorito or "Car Jack" post containing "A heresy hunter's view of Psalm 23."

It never ceases to amaze me how they can pick scripture which should directly convict and prick THEM in the heart by it's Holy Truth. It has been said, this little Davidic Psalm contains a large book of its own.

It is a beautiful thing to behold how a Mighty G_d can condescend to such a lowly, human understanding to call Himself a shepherd. However the most important word in verse one is "my." What right does the psalmist, or any man, have to call the Lord Yehovah "my shepherd?" The answer, of course, is found in the previous Psalm.

It is interesting that Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke of four freedoms in a speech while he was president:

1. Freedom from want
2. Freedom from fear
3. Freedom of speech
4. Freedom of religion

Those who abide in the presence of the Shepherd never lack for temporal things.

There are two thoughts about the green pastures in verse 2. Spurgeon understood green pastures to be the place of most substantial feeding of the sheep. Others see a reference to the Lord's rest in the phrase, "he maketh me to lie down in green pastures." There was and is a lack of green pastures in Palestine, so the sheep must be led from pasture to pasture. When once a pasture is found, it is there they rest before moving on to the next pasture. Here we see the perfect balance between rest and activity.

Still waters assumes the same role as green pastures. Still waters run deep. Any deep experience with the Shepherd can only be accomplished by time spent with the Shepherd, as the words "lie down" indicate.

Not only is physical sustenance provided by the Good Shepherd, but spiritual restoration is provided as well. When the soul becomes sorrowful, He revives it. When our spirit becomes weak, He reinvigorates it. We have freedom from depletion, for every time we would stray, as a sheep would, He brings us back.

The Kumbaya/R1/Rev Jackal's crowd would do well to understand the above. They are steeped deep in Charismatic confusion, Apostolic Pentecostal lies straight from the One World-NWO church from Hell. While the psalmist, in verse 3, references "paths of righteousness," they consistantly go down rabbit trails to oblivion, instead of paths of pleasantness and peace.(Proverbs 3:17) This is why they cannot sustain and maintain the letter and intent of Susan's rules at the top of the page. It's not in there heart. It's not there because they lack discernment and the leading of His Holy Spirit.

The Good Shepherd leading is out of pure grace, to bring honor to the Great Shepherd that we keep the commandments of the Word and walk in the narrow way of righteousness. Dorito still wants to walk down Broadway. I have seen many a Dorito steet in cities across AmeriKa named Broadway. However, in all my travels, I have never see one named "Narrow Path."

There is a very intimate statement in verse 4. Probaby too much so for the Kumbaya Crowd. It is the reason why we "fear no evil." David, who referred to G_d as "he" elsewhere, now uses the more intimate "thou." This makes "The Lord is my shepherd" now to be seen in his direct address to the G_d of heaven. When we come to know Abba G_d personally through His Son Y'shua, we may then understand why we don't fear.

The rod and staff of the shepherd are tools of his office. By them, he guides sheep. They indicate sovereignty over his sheep. While passing thorough the darkness of wrong and false doctrines in the world, the sheep know that the gentle tap of the shepherd's crook or of his rod is designed for their safe passage. Thus, the sheep of the Good Shepherd heed His gentle leading.

What the Kumbaya Crowd(this includes Rev Jackals) understand is verse 5. G_d did not command use to eat on the run but prepare a table for a meal in the presence of our enemies. My own meal has lasted over 4 years before the likes of the typical Kumbaya'er/Pacadorian/Rev Jack, etc. Nothing is hurried; there is no confusion. We are with the Great Shepherd, and even in the midst of our enemies there is perfect peace.

The oil the shepherd carried in a small flask was used to annoint the scratched faces of sheep that had to find their food among the thorns and thistles. We must have the oil of the Holy Spirit of G_d and its filling and soothing. It is by Him we have an unction without which we cannot be a true believer. In all that, by cup runneth over. A cup running over symbolizes abundance because it is filled to overflowing. We preach the Whole Word of G_d and its timeless truth that we may be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit of G_d.

In all that, goodness and mercy will not just follow a believer but will remain in constant persuit. They actively seek us out when walking with the Good Shepherd. They are present in times of feasting, as well as times of fasting "all they days of my life."

The house of the Lord here does not imply a church. It does, however, imply The Church and its communion with G_d. As a child of G_d who walks in the pasth of the Good Shepherd, we are always at home with G_d. This indicates sonship, for the servant never abides in the house.

This is the fifth freedom which Roosevelt DID NOT touch upon:

FREEDOM FROM DISERTION

The Shepherd has promised us:

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5), and wheter through green pastures, the still waters, through the valley of deth, or in the presence of our enemies, we know He is always there.

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Replies:

dear GellyBeeeeeFish -- A Catholic, NOT Roman, 12:01:45 08/15/02 Thu