The Green Pastures
The “green pastures” mentioned in Psalm 23 often give us the idea that God takes us to a place of plenty. However, the picture that is visualized by the ancient Eastern world is one of an opposite view.
The Bedouins who live in the Negev desert, which is south of the Dead Sea, are the descendants of the biblical Midianites and Amalekites. These Bedouin shepherds live the same lifestyle as their ancient ancestors, raising their flocks in the desert.
The desert temperatures rise higher than 120 degrees during the hottest times of the day. Overnight, tufts of grass grow from two to four inches behind the small rocks which capture the moisture from the cool west winds of the Mediterranean.
In the morning the Bedouins guide their flocks to these sparse tufts of grass, which give the sheep and goats just enough food for the moment. Later in the afternoon, the shepherd will guide his flocks to their next momentary meal.
The Bedouins, as did their ancient ancestors, refer to these meager desert meals as “the green pastures of the shepherd.”
When God makes us lie down in green pastures, He is taking us to a place where we learn to completely rely on Him with no anxiety for anything beyond the moment. The ancient Hebrews would refer to the desert as the Land of Milk or the place where one develops and strengthens faith. It is in the green pastures that we learn to keep our eyes on the shepherd as we are tested and provided with just enough for right now.
Forever leaning,
Johnny
© 2007 Jonathan P. Gainey and Flock’s Diner.
All Rights Reserved
