Psalm 23:1-4
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Introduction
Introduction
Few passages of Scripture are as recognizable or well known as the 23rd Psalm.
It’s a fairly short Psalm; easy to understand; and simply beautiful.
It’s a Psalm of comfort (or at least that’s what we often focus on).
But it is also a grand display of the timeless truth of Scripture—that when the Spirit writes, we end up with something that transcends mortal talent. David’s talent is surely on display, but coupled with the Spirit, this psalm delivers us something more than great poetry.
Psalm 23 is simple enough that a child can understand its basic premise. On one hand, we could simply read the six verses and be content. But while it is a simple Psalm, it is not simplistic or superficial. On the contrary, it’s depths are nigh unreachable. As with most of Scripture, it provides a message that as we return to it again and again, we find yet more comfort, more challenge, and more guidance. It is a Psalm about a Shepherd, but more than that, it is a psalm about a journey with that Shepherd. And it’s a Psalm that helps us in our journey through this life.
Verses 1-3
Verses 1-3
Psalm 23:1 is, in many ways, a summary of the whole Psalm. Verses 2-6 really expound on the truth of verse 1
I Shall Not Want (v. 1b)
I Shall Not Want (v. 1b)
First of 3 “confessions” of hope and trust
“want” vs. “lack”
Even in modern language, “want” still points to a lack
We often come to Psalm 23 seeking comfort, but first we need to learn from it contentment!
What do I want?
Why do I want it?
Will I be content even if I don’t get it?
Psalm 23 is partly in the business of training my sense of need to be better attuned to what God provides. (Richard Briggs)
10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
What the Lord Does (vv. 2-3)
What the Lord Does (vv. 2-3)
In Psalm 23:2-3, there are four verbs and the Lord is the subject of each.
Psalm 23:2–3 (ESV)
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Provision - Pasture and Water
Physical provision
Spiritual provision
Rest
Psalm 23 calls us to slow down and find peace in the Lord’s provision, protection, and presence. A rest not rooted in laziness or lethargy, but rest in the provision and care of God. A rest that doesn’t tirelessly pursue earthly, carnal things, but that finds restoration in setting aside carnal drives to find fulfillment in the Lord and His kingdom.
Psalm 23: Antithesis
The clock is my dictator, I shall not rest.
It makes me lie down only when exhausted.
It leads me to deep depression.
It hounds my soul.
It leads me in circles of frenzy for activity’s sake.
Even though I run frantically from task to task,
I will never get it all done.
For my “ideal” is with me.
Deadlines and my need for approval, they drive me.
They demand performance from me, beyond the limits of my schedule.
They anoint my head with migraines.
My in-basket overflows.
Surely fatigue and time pressure shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the bonds of frustration forever.
“When we move too quickly through life, we tend to make poorer choices, we often prioritize the wrong things, and we can begin to equate our very selves with the status we have achieved or the accumulation of possessions we have amassed” (David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23)
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Restoration
To return something to a prior state
When we rest in Jesus, we find total restoration
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
Guidance
“Leads” - appears twice
It is the Lord who leads, and our job is to follow
Right Paths: Cart paths - paths that have been traversed before us
Jesus has led the way - as long as we follow Him, we will be on the right path
Provision, protection, rest, and restoration are available to us if we follow Jesus; if we hear and listen to His voice
When Sheep wonder and stop following the Shepherd, that is when danger sets in.
Restoration and deliverance aren’t provided to allow us to live any way we choose. they call us to holiness and righteousness!
For His Name’s Sake
For His Name’s Sake
God’s care for His people proclaims His name and glory
16 But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.
8 Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power.
“As we read that the divine shepherd leads us in paths of righteousness for his own name’s sake, it means not that God is using us for his own ends but rather that we can be so sure about walking in those paths because God has bound his own reputation to our walking in them.” (David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23)
We can trust God, and as we do, and as our lives follow Him, we will become lights that show the glory of God and the goodness of His name to others.
Verse Four
Verse Four
Ps. 23: 4 one of the most well known verses in Bible
Notable features:
Surprising shift
2nd "Confession"
Shift in perspective
New layer in the sheep/shepherd Metaphor
Valley of the shadow of Death
Valley of the shadow of Death
Shadow of Death or "Deep Darkness?"
This valley can be more than just death(sickness, loss, loneliness...)
Still, death is the deepest darkness!
The valley is real; the darkness is real; the danger is real. David is not downplaying life's hardships, he’s actually highlighting them.
I Will Fear No Evil
I Will Fear No Evil
David’s Second Confession of Hope and Trust: In a very frightening place, David he will not be afraid!
Evil: “Bad, disaster, calamity”
David doesn’t just trust the shepherd in green meadows—he also trusts Him is shadowy valleys!
For You Are With Me
For You Are With Me
David shifts from speaking about the shepherd to speaking to the shepherd (subtle shift to companion?)
David's courage has nothing to do with his own ability, but is all about the Shepherd's presence
Moses
11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
Joshua
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
"You are with me" - middle of the Psalm
↳ Story of the Bible: Eden → Tabernacle → Temple → Immanuel (Mt. 1:23) → Jesus’ Promise (Mt. 28:20) → Spirit (Jn. 14:16-17) → Heaven Rev. 21:3
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
What the Shepherd's Presence Means
What the Shepherd's Presence Means
Rod = Weapon of protection
The shepherds themselves had none of that peaceful and placid aspect which is generally associated with pastoral life and habits. They looked like warriors marching to the battlefield—a long gun slung from the shoulder, a dagger and heavy pistols in the belt, a light battle-axe or iron-headed club in the hand. Such were the equipments; and their fierce flashing eyes and scowling countenances showed but too plainly that they were prepared to use their weapons at any moment. (J.L. Porter)
How did David strike down the bear and lion? Probably with his shepherd’s rod!
34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him.
Staff: Corral, train, a guide the sheep. = correction
Comfort: Protection + correction = Comfort
Comfort is available in the dark shadowy valley as well as the green pasture!
Elders (and church leaders) should provide both for the flock!
Shepherds with rods and staffs in hand don’t belong in meetings pushing paper. They are with sheep in coffee shops and living rooms and hospital bedsides; they shepherd in graveyards and crematoria and in the counseling room … Shepherds ask one another where they are with the Lord right now, and they ask sheep where they are with the Lord today. (David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23)
Walk Through
Walk Through
Walk: Unusual speed for terrifying darkness. With the Lord we can can have calm peace even in tough times
Through: Not “in” or “to” but through. With the Lord, the valley of the shadow of death is temporary, a part of the journey we are only passing through.
Jesus is not up ahead asking for directions. He is not lost. He knows where he is leading you. He knows there is a way through it and out of it because that was his own experience of the valley; he has been there ahead of you and for you. (David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23)
Conclusion
Conclusion
The picture David has painted is a beautiful one indeed. A picture of provision, care, guidance, and restoration. A picture of great protection and loving correction. A picture of hope and comfort. But those wondrous promises can only be ours if we can say the opening line—the Lord is MY Shepherd.