Getting Rid of the Flies
We often view Psalm 23 as a nice comforting Psalm to console families during the loss of a loved one. We read it at gravesites and fondly remember that the Lord is our shepherd. Yet what powerful truths do we find contained with these verses about how well the Good Shepherd cares for His children!
In full proper context this Psalm recounts the events in a full year cycle of the sheep’s life. All seasons are contained in Psalm 23, yet however the one I want to mention is summer time….or fly season! During the days where there are green meadows for grazing and beautiful still peaceful streams….where there are level tables of land and close intimate contact with the shepherd…..they sheep have to be taken care of during the worst season of the year…..FLY SEASON.
With the advent of warm weather come swarms of different insects. Ask anyone who has ever raised livestock and they can assure you that summertime insects gone unchecked can present serious problems to a herd or flock. To name of a few of the flies in the Middle East that trouble the sheep….warble flies, bot flies, heel flies, black flies , gnats, mosquitoes and the one that is particularly dangerous the nasal fly!
The danger involved for the sheep is of such a serious nature that if no provision is made to stop them, the nasal flies will deposit their eggs inside the sheep’s head and burrow into the flesh when they hatch as worm like larvae. All the while they buzz inside the head of the sheep while they do their damage. THIS DRIVES THE SHEEP CRAZY.
Ecc 10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor.
This is a seldom used scripture…yet it tells us that if the apothecary is not careful a fly will die in his ointment compound and ruin it. The apothecary was the one who knew how to put special ointments and fragrances together. In Exodus 30 he was charged with the honor of putting together those spices used to make the holy anointing oil. According to Psalm 45 there was such a unique and special fragrance that when it was smelled it made glad those who smelled it. We should protect the anointing He has given us. There are certain things if we are not careful that can absolutely destroy our peace of mind and for that matter the anointing He has poured upon us.
What have you found buzzing around in your mind? Are there flies of doubt and unbelief blocking your faith? Are there flies of dissention causing you to divide the body instead of heal the body of Christ? Are there flies of fear telling you to quit giving of your time and finances and take care of yourself only? What flies do you deal with?
The Good Shepherd had a solution! If the sheep didn’t get relief from these fly episodes they could beat their heads against a tree trying to stop the buzzing. Sheep are normally docile animals…yet one infected sheep could spook a whole flock and cause chaos…all because the flies were taking over. At the very first sign of flies….the Good Shepherd would apply ointment sometimes made of linseed oil and sulphur and tar to the head of the sheep and their ears and smear it on their noses……WHEN THE FLIES SMELLED THE OINTMENT THEY COULDN’T STAY AROUND LONG…ALSO IF A SNAKE WOULD RISE UP TO TRY TO TAKE DOWN A SHEEP…THE SMELL OF THE OINTMENT WOULD BE ENOUGH TO DRIVE THEM AWAY…
Psalm 23: 5…….Thou anointest my head with oil!! We need to learn to allow Holy Spirit to keep oil on our heads…..Remember the words of Jesus about worry…..you cannot add one cubit to your stature by worry! When the enemy is trying to wrap barbs around your mind and drive you insane with the buzzing…….Run into the Presence of the Lord……He still anoints our heads for fly season! What an awesome God we serve!
Your Evangelist,
Nick McSpadden
