The Lord is… - Psalm 23

Psalm 23 “1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

This psalm is a greatest hits. Like a song you know so well, you can finish the lyric.

“don’t stop…”

“It’s always fun to stay at the….”

“sweet caroline…”

This Psalm is about God.

We don’t want to know this psalm because it’s popular. I want you to know this Psalm because it’s personal for you. I don’t want it to be second hand, but rather first hand and an intimate knowledge of God in these terms.

David uses 3 metaphors for us to see God clearly:

Shepherd and sheep

Guide and companion

Host and guest

The Lord is our Shepherd; He cares for us.

(vs 1-3)

Shepherd is the most comprehensive and intimate metaphor. The shepherd lives with the flock and is a guide, physician, protector, & provider.

He provides

He renews strength

Soul. Joy. Peace.

We are often angry cuz we are anxious. We are anxious because we have opened the door to fear due to offense

When we rest from controlling outcomes,

…we experience plenty, abundance, flourishing

The Lord is our Guide; He walks with us.

(vs 4)

He protects me.

He corrects me.

He comforts me.

…we experience protection in the pain

The Lord is our Host; He invites us to come close.

(vs 5-6)

He cares and tends.

He is present.

He draws me close to dwell

…we experience His presence

The Lord is…

Lord-jireh — “Lord our provider” (Ps. 23:5)

Lord-rophe —“Lord our healer” (Ps. 23:5)

Lord-mʾkaddesh — “Lord our sanctifier” (Ps. 23:6)

Lord-shalom — “Lord our peace” (Ps. 23:6)

Lord-tsidkenu — “Lord our righteousness” (Ps. 23:3)

Lord-rohi — “Lord our shepherd” (Ps. 23:1)

Lord-shamma — “the Lord is there” (Ps. 23:41)

…trustworthy.

Jesus laid His life down for His sheep.

But the 23rd Psalm comes alive in the Jesus story in another way a much darker way. Jesus experiences the opposite of everything the Psalmist prays for. Instead of green pastures, Jesus said he had no place to lay his head; instead of quiet waters, Jesus walked on stormy seas; instead of walking through the valley of the shadow of death, Jesus walked up the hill of death-Golgotha itself. Instead of a table before his enemies, Jesus supped with his enemies, the one who proceeded to betray him. His cup ran over, but it was a not a cup of blessing but one of judgment and wrath (cf. Isaiah 51:17, 22), which he asked to pass from him, but instead drank it to the dregs. But-and here is where the words of the Psalmist come true in the end-goodness and mercy did follow Jesus. The Father raised him up in vindication, and he does indeed well in the house of God forever, seated at the right hand of the Father.

Put these two thing together Jesus is both the Good Shepherd and the sheep who suffered to the uttermost. This is the reason Psalm 23 is true for us, this is how we know that this prayer-for provision, protection guidance and more - will be answered in the end. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep. Thanks be to God.

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PRACTICING THE WAY

As disciples of Jesus, we know our allegiance to Him as King is expressed in our daily practice. We are not pursuing perfection but want to practice our faith each day. These practices will point you toward spiritual formation as an apprentice (disciple) to Jesus.

(1) Start the Bible Recap reading plan.

(2) Recite this prayer/liturgy daily:

O God, our Sovereign and Shepherd, who brought again your Son Jesus Christ from the valley of death, comfort us with your protecting presence and your angels of goodness and love, that we may also come home and dwell with Him in Your house forever. Amen.

(3) Talk it Over (with friends, a spouse, or your Group)

Read Psalm 23.‌ Sunday’s message was knowing the Good Shepherd. What was one key take-away for you from the message or this passage?

Do you prefer the mountains or being near water?

Which verse in Psalm 23 is the most meaningful to you? Why?

What are some ways that the Shepherd guides us?

Fill in this blank: The Lord is ________.

Read John 10:1-13. What are some key characteristics in this passage of a Good Shepherd.