KINGDOM METAPHORS
Psalm 23
A metaphor, according to Wikipedia is a figure of speech that, for rhetorical effect, directly refers to one thing by mentioning another. It may provide (or obscure) clarity or identify hidden similarities between two different ideas. The scriptures is full of imageries and metaphors referring to God, men and general environment. The use of metaphors is to provide clearer understanding of an object using another object not related. For instance, to explain and give understanding of the Lord, the Psalmist says “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my stronghold, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower”, Psalm 18:2.
Definitely, the Lord is not a rock, an inanimate object. Neither is he any of those things mentioned in the quoted verse. But in alluding to these words, one has an understanding of God by the characteristics of the metaphors here. You see the strength and longevity of a rock; the safety in a fortress; the security and hope in a buckler and the high tower. When you combine these images, you have a sense of security in who our God is.
In the text today, the Psalmist brings God out as a shepherd and he himself as a sheep in the flock. The shepherd cares for the flock; protects, leads, feeds and waters them. The sheep does not struggle for food; it depends on the shepherd for guidance, leadership, provision, defense and indeed, everything. An understanding of this metaphorical imagery will teach a believer to trust God like the sheep trusts absolutely in the shepherd. He would surrender his will to that of the shepherd. He would not need to struggle to feed or defend himself because the shepherd is there always.
Beloved, the scripture is full of metaphors and imageries describing you as a believer. An Understanding of these metaphors will enhance your Christian virtues and make you more responsible as a believer. In the next few days, we shall consider some of these metaphors for our own benefits.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to see myself as you see me and help me to be who and what you want me to be.
