How God Shepherds Us
Notes
Transcript
He leads us (v.1-3)
To eat and drink
To restoration
To righteousness
He is with us (v.4)
He brings us joy (v.5-6)
Introduction
Introduction
Lost.
This is the word that Salvador Alvarenga knew more intimately than any other person in the world.
Salvador was an experienced fisherman who decided in 2012 to continue on a fishing expedition even with report of an incoming storm as one day of fishing could provide enough income for an entire week.
He set out with a partner to sea from western side of the Mexican coast.
At 1am the storm hit them while there were 75 miles out from the coast, and were in danger of having both the boat and their lives sunk at the bottom of the sea.
In a panic they rushed back to the coast through the storm and at 7am were only 15 miles away from the coast and could see the mountains on the horizon.
But then their motor died.
And they had no paddles either while simultaneously a strong wind started pushing them out towards the ocean.
So they radioed for help and as they the help told them over radio that they were on the way, the battery died and so did the radio.
A search party conducted a rescue but gave up after many days of being unable to find them.
They were pushed 280 miles out from land.
4 months in, his partner became depressed, stop eating and starved to death.
11 months later, still stranded at sea, Salvador was 5000 miles out in the middle of the pacific ocean.
Mind you the pacific ocean is so massive it is bigger than all the land mass on earth combined, and is one third of the entire mass of earth.
Salvador was lost.
I remember when I was a kid, I was in a Ross, a big clothing store.
And I lost my parents.
I began to panic and then cry.
Until finally I found them.
And Ross is no ocean!
Now, none of us has ever been lost like Salvador, but we’ve all been lost.
And some of us today are lost.
At your age students, you may not really get lost at Safeway anymore, although I don’t blame you if you got lost at Walmart.
But where you do get lost are on our phones, social media, at school.
You may know where to go at your school, but the negative influences of other people at school: fellow classmates, even teachers, make you lost.
And that is why we need a leader.
We need a shepherd.
And his name is Jesus.
Today, we will look at How God Shepherds Us.
3 ways God shepherds us.
1. He leads us (v.1-3)
1. He leads us (v.1-3)
First, we must understand what is a psalm?
What is a psalm?
What is a psalm?
The word ‘psalm’ is a Greek translation of the Hebrew which means ‘a song of praise’.
The psalms are our songbook of praising and worshiping God.
Singing, praising, and worshipping God, are the reaction within your heart when you understand and follow God’s word.
And back then, believers only had the OT.
Yes, students, the OT, with all the laws and regulations, and sacrifices, resulted in a heart that absolutely loved and adored God.
But how?
The OT is so boring!
No, the OT reveals who God is and what He is like!
That’s why OT believers made these beautiful songs, that are all ultimately God’s word.
Yes these songs were made ultimately by God himself.
Now students, notice how it says, ‘a Psalm of David’.
Who is David?
Who is David?
David was one of the kings of Israel.
He was also a musician, shepherd, and soldier.
He was not perfect and made many mistakes.
Nor was he physically impressive.
But God chose him because what?
He was a man after God’s own heart.
David loved God.
Now that we know what a psalm is and who David is, we can now understand Psalm 23.
Now David loved God because he knew God.
How do we know that David knew God?
Look at v.1 (read)
Now students look at the word Lord.
What do you notice?
LORD
LORD
It’s all caps! And what does it mean when LORD is in all caps?
It means that LORD stands for God’s name: Yahweh!
David calls God by his personal name because he knew God and he had an intimate relationship with God!
David is saying, ‘Yahweh is my shepherd.’
That’s how we know that David knew God, because he uses God’s own name!
If you are a Christian, you know God personally!
You know God on a personal and intimate level!
The difference between Christians and non-Christians is that Christians know God in a personal intimate matter as father and child.
Not only does David refer to God by his name, but he calls Yahweh ‘my’ shepherd.
This intimate relationship between David and God is even more emphasized not only by using God’s name, but also claiming God calling him ‘my’ shepherd.
Students, at the end of the day, your relationship with God is ultimately based between you and him alone.
Your relationship with God is not based on your parents relationship with him.
Or even the other students relationship with him.
Never assess your relationship with God by looking at other people’s relationship with him.
And never compare your relationship with God with others, because your relationship with God is personal.
This doesn’t mean you can’t learn from other Christians’ example.
But ask yourself, ‘how much am I looking at other people’s relationship with Jesus versus how much am I actually looking at Jesus?’
So David calls God by his personal name, and then says, ‘my’.
But, ‘my__’ what?
My shepherd.
What is a shepherd?
What is a shepherd?
A shepherd takes care of sheep.
What are sheep and what are they like?
What are sheep and what are they like?
Sheep are smaller (compared to cows) mammals that are covered in wool.
Now people often say that sheep are dumb.
But that is not actually true. Research shows that sheep are not in fact dumb. But rather they are unique.
They are unique because unlike other animals, they are completely dependent on the shepherd.
They don’t need to know where to go, because they enjoy the shepherd’s guidance on where to go.
They don’t need to be strong to defend themselves, because they enjoy the protection of the shepherd.
Sheep are unique because of their complete dependence on the shepherd that other animals do not have.
We all know the bible calls us sheep.
Not because we are dumb or stupid.
But because God made us to completely rely and depend on Him.
And when we completely rely and depend on Jesus, we no longer want anything else.
That’s why after David says, ‘Yahweh is my shepherd’ he says, ‘I shall not want’.
That’s because Jesus is our shepherd. The shepherd takes care of his sheep by giving us everything we need.
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Now doesn’t mean that God will give you everything you want: whether it’s Jordans or a Fear of God essentials sweater.
But God will give you everything you need.
Whether it’s physical things that you need.
And of course spiritual things you need.
And when you have everything you need, you no longer want.
It doesn’t mean you completely don’t want anything else.
But you no longer want unnecessary things.
In other words you become content.
Philippians 4:11–13 (NKJV)
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.
Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Paul was content in all situations whether he had a lot or a little because God was his shepherd and took care of everything he needed.
That’s why he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him because God supplied everything he needed.
Students when we are lost we look for things that we don’t need.
We constantly look for new things to buy.
We constantly scroll through social media.
We become tempted by sinful things and activities.
We look to the wrong people: false shepherds.
False shepherds don’t just wear nice suits and teach behind a desk or pulpit, but they are everywhere whether on Tiktok, Snapchat or Instagram.
They don’t even have to use words, but just by their actions, they show their lifestyle in images or videos.
They guide their sheep in the wrong way.
The solution is to remember that Jesus is our shepherd.
The reason we get lost, is because we look in the wrong direction to fill our hearts.
The reason why we look in the wrong direction is because we fill our heart with the wrong things.
Fill your hearts with Jesus students.
“For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.
When we look to the wrong things, we are actually going to broken cisterns.
A cistern collects water from rain so that you can drink.
God is saying don’t do this evil deed: of making broken cisterns by going to the wrong sources to fill your heart instead of coming to Him, the fountain of living waters.
A broken cistern is a hole that holds rainwater, but is doesn’t work, whereas a fountain is a massive flow of rising water.
How foolish is it to from that (broken cistern) to that (fountain)?
So now that we understand that God is our shepherd and that makes us content, we must understand:
How exactly does a shepherd take care of his sheep?
How exactly does a shepherd take care of his sheep?
He rests them and feeds them.
Look at v.2 (read)
It is extremely difficult to make a sheep lie down.
According to a shepherd a sheep must be free from fear, tension, aggravation, and hunger in order to lay down.
In other word’s the shepherd brings the sheep peace and that’s what gets them to lie down.
He feeds them with green pastures and leads them to drink near quiet peaceful waters.
God shepherds us by leading us to feed us.
For the Christian the pastures that God leads us to is paper: God’s word.
How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
God shepherds us by calming us and feeding us God’s word.
Next God leads us beside quiet waters.
These are not raging rapids.
These are slow creeks and streams.
Peaceful waters.
That is what God does for his sheep as well. He brings us peace.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
When we pray to God with our requests and thanksgiving, the peace of God comes to our hearts and minds.
The peace of God is so great that we can’t even understand completely!
We can’t explain fully why we have peace in the moments of the worst disasters because God’s peace is so powerful.
He leads us to peace!
Next, God leads us to restoration. Look at v.3 (read)
God restores us by finding us who are lost and don’t know like when the shepherd has all 99 sheep but goes to look for the lost 1.
Or by restoring out spirits with his word.
And finally God leads us in the path of righteousness
‘He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake’.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
God has created us for good works, and already prepared to good works that we do before we even do them!
God truly guides us in paths of righteousness.
And why does he do it? Is it to make us look cool?
No, it says,‘For His name’s sake.’
God guides his children because his reputation is on the line
If his children are not spiritually thriving, then does God take care of his people?
This is what an unbeliever would think!
But no, God doesn’t merely guide you the right way for your sake, but ultimately for his sake!
Or in other words, for his glory.
At the end of the day, God does everything for his glory. Whether it’s his righteous judgement or his love of saving you on the cross, he does it for his glory, so that people will come to worship him.
For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it;
For how should My name be profaned?
And I will not give My glory to another.
But is it selfish for God to do everything for his glory?
But is it selfish for God to do everything for his glory?
No, because God is a trinity.
He is one being, three persons.
When God does everything for His glory, He is doing it for His Son, He is doing it for the Holy Spirit.
And everyone gets to benefit from this, even non-Christians!
When God lets the rain fall on both Christians and non-Christians for His glory, everyone benefits!
When God lets everyone, both Christians and non-Christians eat delicious food and drink delicious drink for His glory, everyone benefits!
Why?
Because God is ___ what?
God is good!
Students, God is good, and that’s why he leads us.
He is the good shepherd.
When you are lost, don’t look for leadership in the wrong direction.
Look for leadership in the good shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Questions?
Questions?
2. He is with us (v.4)
2. He is with us (v.4)
Look at v.4 (read)
In order to get to the green pastures, sometimes the shepherd would have to take the flock of sheep through narrow valleys which were often dark, and were full of bandits and predators such as wolves.
This was indeed dangerous.
But just because it was dangerous doesn’t mean it was the wrong path.
Just because the path seemed frightening doesn’t mean it was the wrong path.
No, it was the necessary path.
The paths of righteousness doesn’t mean they are always silky smooth but some times harsh and scary.
Yet David says, ‘I fear no evil, for you are with me’.
Even though we walk through trying times, filled with death, we are not afraid because God is with us.
Unbelievers panic and rightfully so, because God is not with them.
Unfortunately some times Christians walk as if God isn’t with them.
If you look back and you noticed your life looked more like panic than peace, I want you to remember that God is with you.
You don’t need to fear anything because he is with you.
God has appointed the time and place when we are to die.
Until then, as George Whitfield says, ‘you are immortal’.
You are immortal until it is God’s time for you to come home!
And God is with us to defend us.
He has a ‘rod and a staff’ with him.
The rod was basically a beat stick like a baseball bat used to defend his sheep from wolves.
No one can touch you unless God allows it!
Remember Job? Satan said to God, ‘I can’t harm him because of this hedge you put around him!’
Indeed, God protects his sheep, and he protects them from losing their salvation.
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
No can can snatch you out of the hand of the good shepherd.
Your life, your salvation lies secure in the hand of Jesus.
But the shepherd also had a staff.
The classic curved shaped staff that shepherds hold.
They use this to guide their sheep, sometimes poking them to get them going in the right direction.
This is how God shepherds us: by being with us.
His very presence comforts us through difficult times because he is ready to defend us with his rod and guide us with his staff.
Remember when you are afraid, that God is with us.
Questions?
Questions?
How does fear hinder us from following God?
How does fear hinder us from following God?
People react to fear in different ways.
Fear can cause us to freeze and not do anything.
Fear can also cause us to act wrongfully.
Both are wrong.
The solution is remember that God shepherds us by being with us so that we will not fear.
He brings us joy (v.5-6)
He brings us joy (v.5-6)
What is life without enjoyment, without celebration? And even more, what is life without worship?
This is exactly how God shepherds us: he brings us joy.
Look at v.5 (read)
‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies’
When do we prepare a feast at the table?
When we celebrate!
When you have a birthday party table, you have all sorts of delicious food and cake!
And as Christians, we celebrate because Jesus is victorious over death and Satan!
‘Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life’
With a full heart from the feast of God, David is certain and complete faith and trust that God’s goodness will follow him.
This word ‘surely’ David is saying emphatically ‘without a doubt, with absolute certainty’ this is true.
That God’s goodness, meaning all the wonderful benefits that Christians have in Jesus, his care, his love, provision, discipline, etc. and his lovingkindness which is the Hebrew word, ‘hesed’ which means God’s loyal love, God’s faithful love to you.
But notice how God’s goodness and love is following David.
In fact the word follow actually means to pursue! To chase after!
God’s goodness and lovingkindness pursues you and hunts you down just like how the police chase and hunt down a criminal!
There is without a shadow of a doubt, that if you are a Christian that you will receive God’s goodness and lovingkindness!
And where do people caught by the police end up? Jail.
Where do people caught by God’s goodness and lovingkindness? The house of God.
‘And I will dwell in the house of Yahweh forever’.
The word ‘dwell’ means to sit.
Literally, we have packed our things, sat down and become comfy in the God’s house.
And this is not simply for a night, or a week, or even months.
This is forever!
We are forever living in God’s presence.
Some of you living with your parents might thinking ‘I want to live with my parents forever’ and others of you are thinking, ‘boy I can’t wait to get out!’
Depending on age right?
But as believers it is not a question or possibility of how long we live in God’s house, no it is a fact that when we become part of the family of God, we live in his house forever.
There’s this wonderful famous TV show from the 90’s called ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’.
I loved this show growing up.
It’s about Will Smith growing up in a rough neighborhood in West Phily with thugs, and when he got into trouble, his mom went to send him to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle in this luxurious mansion in Bel-Air.
Much of the comedy is this hoodlum main character adjusting from his old street ways to living a proper life with his posh aunt and uncle, and the wonderful joy of living with them.
Imagine living in the ghetto, knowing only wickedness, and then suddenly are transported to live in the most prosperous areas in the world, in a beautiful mansion, with highly successful relatives, who care for you.
Oh how joy that would be no? Oh how much more for us Christians who lived in utter darkness but what were brought in by the Lord Jesus to live in the glorious house of God!
Even if you are currently living in with your parent’s house remember that if you are a believer, you are actually living in the house of God.
Your heart is in the house of God.
No matter what worries or pains or struggles there are in this world, you have the protection, the security, the peace, the love of living in God’s house.
In enjoying and living in God’s presence!
Because God shepherds us by bringing us joy.
Questions?
Questions?
How does living life feel like without joy?
How does living life feel like without joy?
Life is awful without joy.
It is empty.
A lot of depression comes not necessarily from much sadness but complete lack of emotion and joy.
If that’s how you feel, remember that God is your shepherd and there is joy in living with him.
Conclusion: A few days later Salvador Alvarenga ended up on land on the Ebon Atoll of the Marshall Islands almost 7,000 miles away and upon seeing a house immediately knocked and found help. Had he missed this island, the next land would have been the Philippines a couple more thousand miles away which would have taken almost another year to reach. Salvador Alvarenga eventually was flown back home to El Salvador lost at sea for a record of 438 days.
Church, if any of you today feel lost. I want you to know that God will guide you. As this man was lost at sea for 438 days and was found, how much more does God look for his lost sheep and find them? You will never be lost if God is your shepherd.