Episode 040 – Psalm 23 Pt 7: A Generous Hosti.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-270{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-270:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-270.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Psalm 23:5As soon as David mentions “preparing a table,” “anointing with oil,” and “cup overflowing,” we know he’s no longer communicating a shepherding imagery. You don’t do any of these with sheep. So why the shift? And what’s he conveying? This is one of the most fascinating cultural aspects of Psalm 23, and understanding the imagery shift and its implications will help you see your relationship with God and His world in a renewed, compelling, and gratitude-inducing way.

Discussion Questions

What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

The same God who created the world has invited you into his tent and wants to share time with you. What comes to mind when you hear this? Do you believe this to be true? Why or why not?

To share a meal was a sign of acceptance and love. Where do you need to be reminded today that God loves you and accepts you and wants your cup of joy to be overflowing?

Are there “enemies” encircling your life right now, seeking to discourage you or perhaps hoping you fail in some way? What comfort do you find knowing God is aware of that and desires to encourage you in the midst of it?

Does the way you live express that you trust God or yourself for your provision and protection?

Is your walk with God marked with striving and guilt, or joy and celebration? In what areas do you feel like God is calling you to change? What will your first step be?

How can you respond in gratitude this week to the astounding truth that God is a generous host?

For Further Study

The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament by Kenneth E. Bailey

Psalm 23: A Photo Commentary by Steven D. Anderson and Todd Bolen

Psalm 23: Photo Companion to the Bible (pictures) by Todd Bolen (BiblePlaces.com)

While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Timothy Laniak

Becoming a Judean Shepherd by Doug Greenwold