Green Pastures
You probably do not picture the image above as a green pasture. I know I did not for many years, typically imagining lush hills of endless green growth. But when we study and learn the historical and geographical context, we learn that the image above is what David would have called a green pasture.
In the middle east, the arid and dry air does not produce lush full large areas of grass. Rain is so minimal; most moisture happens from dew produced in the cool evenings coming from the warm humid air of the Mediterranean Sea. This water collects along the rocks where grass sprouts will shoot up around them. This is the primary reason that shepherds in this area are nomadic. They would typically have to travel five square miles a day, constantly moving the herd to be able to get them enough food each day. This makes the sheep very reliant on the shepherds daily leading.
Green pastures are not everything you need for the rest of your life; green pastures are just enough for today.
Jesus talked of this idea in
Matthew 6:34 ““Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Warning us that when we are not reliant on Him it leads to anxiousness. When we rely upon ourselves or the world as our source of green pastures, they both will fail us.
Paul talked of this idea in Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” He is telling us that in every moment whether you have plenty or are in need your source of dependence should not change, it must be in Christ. Just like sheep following the shepherd, they rely daily upon the shepherd to lead them to enough for today. (If you want to read more on Philippians 4:13 as one of the most misquoted and misused verses, I did a write up on it here)
