The Lord is my Shepherd
Psalm 23
This sermon series will last through to the end of October 2018.
Some Highlights from the last few weeks:
David, the author was himself a shepherd. A shepherd is one who cares for you, is concerned about you and considers your needs
Examples of how sheep are unable to take care of themselves:
A sheep will not drink if the water is not still
A sheep will not lie down if it is uneasy, fearful or restless
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Mt 11.28
We are guilty of hatred and envy. We have lusted after another. We have been jealous of what others have
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd did lay down his life for the sheep.” John 10.11
Jail is a place where metal bars, check points, and walls constantly reminded you that you can’t leave.
Prisoners cry ‘I want’ because they’re never truly satisfied.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” Psalm 23:1b
In this prison of want, we get out occasionally with the help of our Lord.
Romans 7:18-20
When Jesus is your shepherd you have:
Grace – Jesus can handle anything
Light – We live in a messy world. Jesus shines through it all
Anchor – He is our stronghold in the storms of life
Direction – He is our GPS, and more! He is with you
1 Timothy 2:3-4 God has wants too – He wants salvation for everyone!
Psalm 23:2-3
The good shepherd leads us.
Southern Israel is a desert land where water is hard to find. However, shepherds know what to look for and lead their sheep to springs of water.
The good shepherd knows where to take us, if we follow, we will be fed.
John 14:6
In verse 2 and 3 we see different connotations from the original Hebrew. Vs 2 the word Lead is translated more directly as “Help”. Vs 3 the word Lead is translated as “Guiding”
More scripture verses that support these points:
Isaiah 53:7 Hebrews 12:2 Matthew 6:13
We are not top of the food chain like some may think, We are more like sheep – we need the good shepherd.
Psalm 23:4 “You are with me”
Here are some common examples of fears:
– being alone
– diseases or cancer
– losing jobs
– darkness (common in children)
– hell
– death
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – chinese proverb
Every step we take, we have a companion along the way. His presence is the ground of our confidence and hope
– We don’t have to fear evil because “You (Jesus) are with me”
v.4
Shepherds use a rod to protect their sheep from predators and a staff is used to hook the sheep when they wander and pull them out of trouble.
There tools are used to restrain the sheep from wandering (law) and bring them closer to him (gospel)
Joshua 1:9 “…with you wherever you go”
Isaiah 41:10 Matthew 28:20
Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. The light has come into the darkness and God was made flesh to dwell among us. The darkness could not overcome him, and he destroyed evil and overcame darkness through his death and resurrection.
You will accompany me every step of the way until I reach heaven.
Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table
Think of the greatest meal you ever had.
Often it’s the company that make a meal great.
1 Kings 4:22-23 we read of Solomon’s food for a day and see how extravagant his meals were.
Psalm 23:5a we read
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
Isaiah 25:6 we read that everyone is invited.
We get to dine with the king of kings and Lord of Lords
Matthew 26:72, 74
Peter: “I do not know that man.”
Christ didn’t cast Peter out; Jesus forgave him and welcomed him back
Luke 22:31-32 Psalm 22:7 “All who see me mock me”
Jesus invites and welcomes all who come to him
This is the feast of victory