“He Makes Me to Lie Down In Green Pastures”

He Makes Me to Lie Down in Green Pastures

by Dona Hake

You would think any animal would absolutely love the inviting green grass on a warm day.  You would never think that one of the greatest hindrances for a sheep to lie down is their fear within.  Sheep are actually restless and creatures that are easily intimidated.  I have read that a single jack rabbit can scare one sheep and cause a whole flock of hundreds to flee in fear.   Because they are on guard and nervous, it is only the shepherd that can assure them that it is safe to lay down in the beautiful, lush, green pastures that he has led them to.

What I see here is the importance of the shepherd’s keen oversight of his flock.  In my reading on this subject the three other things that keep them from laying down in green pastures is friction within the flock, tormenting flies, and parasites, and they cannot be hungry.  Any of these things will hinder them from basking and resting in the green pastures.

Within these facts we can see a beautiful analogy of our Good Shepherd.  It is only He that alleviates fear, helps us work toward unity, helps us with the irritations of life, and is faithful to feed us His good Word.   There is no substitute for His keen awareness of every area of our life.

Psalm 4:8 (CEB)
“I will lie down and fall asleep in peace
because you alone, Lord, let me live in safety.”

~~~~~♥~~~~~