The overwhelming sense of these last two verses of Psalm 23 are generosity – abundant, overwhelming and extravagant generosity. It captures the shepherd who lays a table for his sheep, in the wilderness, when the enemies gather – and in the future, when the enemies are vanquished. This table is not stingy or abstemious but overflowing and fattening (literally!). It captures the shepherd who pursues his sheep – he is goodness and faithful love, and he pursues his sheep in such a way that, as they look back on their lives, they are convicted of his eternal and constant goodness. It captures the destination of the sheep – a return to where they belong, a safe dwelling in the house of the shepherd, always and forevermore!

Jesus was this sheep – he enjoyed the abundance of his shepherd, he ate in the presence of his enemies, he was brought home safely. So, Jesus is this shepherd – he lays a table for his sheep, and he invites his enemies to eat; he pursues his sheep (Peter is restored!); and he brings his sheep safely home, not losing one.