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A TRIO OF PSALMS  22,23, AND 24
 
This set of Psalms, all authored by Israel’s King David, was born from his mind, heart, and pen and has long been viewed as symbolizing the redeeming ministry of our Messiah, God the Son incarnate.  The themes of these three psalms are often summarized: The Cross (Psalm 22), The Shepherd’s Crook (Psalm 23), and The Crown (Psalm 24), representing Christ’s redemptive work as the Redeemerwho died, the Shepherd who leads, and the King of Glory who rules over all. 
 
Psalm 22 - THE CROSS
As Jesus of Nazareth hung on a Roman cross, he cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).  This statement didn't imply God's nature was fractured; instead, he was quoting the opening line of Psalm 22 so that those present would understand that this was consistent with God's plan.  In fact, Jesus was referencing a psalm written centuries before, which accurately reflected much of his experience on the cross. 
 
What does seem to be clear is that David, in writing this psalm, went beyond his own knowledge when describing his suffering.  Under the guidance of God's Spirit, David penned a psalm that, while powerfully expressing his pain and despair, also testified to all that what Jesus endured had been foretold long before. 
 
Jesus was gently reminding us that the cross wasn't the conclusion of His loving work, as some might have believed and Satan hoped. Instead, it was the remarkable act of grace and truth that assured us of forgiveness and welcomed us into God's family. When the empty tomb was revealed, it became clear that the cross of Christ was truly our Statue of Liberty—a symbol of hope and new beginnings.
 
Psalm 23 - THE CROOK
The six verses of Psalm 23 transition us from the Cross to the Shepherd’s Crook and form one of the most beloved and comforting passages in the Bible.  It's again important to recognize that the author is King David.  At the time of writing, he was the most powerful person in a great kingdom.  He had thousands of subjects and hundreds of servants carrying out his commands.  Among all those who might admit to needing a shepherd, a guide, a provider, and a protector, we would guess that David wasn't one of them!  
 
But in his own simple words, he shares three important truths. I need a shepherd. Not just any shepherd will do. I need the Lord to be my shepherd!
 
Psalm 23 is divided into three sections. Consider each section as David’s reflection on a pivotal time in his life. 
 
Section one (verses 1-3) has David recalling his early years as a shepherd. As he reflects on the skills needed to meet his sheep's needs, he gains a deeper understanding of how much the Lord cares for him.  He cares for him physically by providing the best pastures, emotionally by restoring his soul, and spiritually by guiding him in the paths of righteousness.  In a world filled with temptations and selfish choices, the Lord leads him through these options, and all David needs to do is follow!  It’s clear that for David and every follower of Christ, obedience to Christ our Shepherd by following where he leads!  Is the highest form of worship.
 
Section two (vs. 4) recalls how David reflected on a time when Saul and other enemies were hunting him, and each day was filled with danger and fear.  He remembers that, even during the most desperate moments, his faith in the Lord served as a strong refuge for his soul.  In times of trouble, his Shepherd never abandoned him; instead, he was there, holding his shepherd’s crook.
 
David also reminds us that following the Lord as our Shepherd can lead us into the valley of adversity at times.  Why? Because some lessons from the Lord can only be learned through difficult times.  Nevertheless, He remains present with His love, strength, and unbounded grace. 

Section three (vs. 5-6) speaks both to David’s prosperous years and his glorious future. The imagery shifts from the Shepherd and his sheep to a banquet host and his guests. The Lord has been incredibly good to David.  He has lavishly provided for him and honored him among the people.  David is overwhelmed with the abundance of God’s unmerited grace that has followed him throughout his life. Yet, he is not only hopeful but also extremely confident that the best, the fullness of God’s goodness toward him, is still to come!  Perhaps the most precious promise in the Bible concludes this beautiful psalm: "And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."
 
Psalm 24 - THE CROWN
 
The promise of living forever with the Lord, as Psalm 23 states, becomes even more awe-inspiring when we remember that the Lord is the King of all creation. He wears a unique crown that no other being can wear, because He alone is the source of everything. (vs. 1). The earth belongs to the Lord, along with everything in it, including the people who live there. 
 
However, in vs)3, David asks the ultimate question: "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?"  This is a recurring question in David's psalms (see Psalm 15), but it does have an answer.  It introduces the truth that only some are allowed into the presence of Almighty God. 
 
In fact, only those whom God himself draws near to Him do come.  It has always been this way, and God the Son declared it when, after feeding the 5000, Jesus proclaimed, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out; No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:37;44)
 
What does David say about those who draw near to God?  What are the key traits of those whom God the Father has saved?  David confirms that God's grace not only rescues but also changes lives.  By placing our faith in God’s promises through Jesus Christ, we are made new—becoming a new creation.  We're no longer enslaved by sin but are forgiven, filled with God's Spirit, and prepared to be vessels of honor.  These individuals are sanctified, meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work according to 2 Timothy 2:20-21. 
 
And how is the Lord able to do all this?  David’s final reminder is that the One who died for us on the Cross and wields the Shepherd’s Crook on our behalf is also the One and only King of Glory.
 
And "Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." (vs.8) "…The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah" (vs.10)
 
The Lord is our King! Let us then dedicate ourselves fully—heart, soul, mind, and strength—to live in a way "That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his Kingdom and glory!" (1 Thessalonians 2:12).