The God Who Shepherds

Scripture Reading: Psalm 23

Welcome

Welcome, everyone!

My name is Cassidy Hastings, and I’m one of the pastors here, and I’ll be sharing out of the Word this morning.

Jesus in the Psalms Series

Today we’re finishing up our Jesus in the Psalms series.

Our prayer as an Elder Team has been that God has used this series to help us all not only resonate with the many different emotions and themes in the Psalms, but also to see Jesus with us in each of these.

By God’s grace, we’ll continue to see Jesus, not ourselves, as the main character in the scriptures, and we’ll regularly be reminded of the Gospel as we encounter Him there.

Opening Illustration

Opening question: when was a time your self-sufficiency hit a limit?

A month after we started dating, Erin and I hiked Mt. Rose with her brother’s dog Alpine

The hike up was great, but 100 yards from the summit on the way back down, Alpine was lagging behind.

Come to find out, he had cut the pads of his paws pretty badly on the shale.

Being a month into dating Erin, I wanted to show her how lucky she was to be in a relationship with such a strong fellow.

I carried Alpine, who weighed about 50lbs, for a good chunk, but when I got tired, Erin carried him for a bit. We weren’t even halfway down when both of us were spent.

Thankfully we had a phone and called one of our friends and Erin’s brother. They came up and helped us get Alpine back down to safety.

I believe in all of us there is an attitude of “I don’t need anyone else. I can do this on my own.” And often if/when others try to help, we are suspicious or don’t trust them as much as we trust ourselves.

In today’s passage, we will see the King of Israel, not boasting and trusting in his own self-sufficiency but instead describing the relationship he has with his Lord. It’s a relationship characterized by dependence, trust, care, and provision.

Big Idea: We can trust the Good Shepherd.

Context

Psalm 23 is not just one of the most well-known Psalms, but likely one of the most well-known passages in all of scripture

It’s often quoted by people whether or not they follow Jesus

It’s so popular because we (humans) see ourselves in this Psalm and resonate with the comfort it provides, especially when facing difficult seasons of life

There have been lots of books written on it, and maybe you’ve read some of them. While some are helpful to unpack the cultural nuances we often miss in our current-day and current-cultural readings, I want to encourage us to remember that the psalm is about God more than it is about sheep.

As helpful as some of the background can be, the metaphors David uses are to highlight his relationship with God.

It’s a psalm of David and is divided into 2 main sections:

Lord as his Shepherd (vs. 1-4)

Lord as his Host (vs. 5-6)

We’ll identify 3 things that the Lord does for His people:

1) The Lord Provides (vs. 1-3)

Vs 1: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”

David is identifying the Lord as the one who cares for and oversees his life

When he says, “I shall not want,” it’s a way of saying he sees himself lacking nothing.

We may read this and think, “Well, if I were a king, I probably wouldn’t be lacking anything either.”

But David doesn’t attribute his provision to himself; he sees the Lord as his provider.

In this first verse, there is a depth of knowledge and care of God for David. God is David’s provider because He knows his needs, and because David belongs to God, he understands that he will lack nothing that he truly needs.

David then outlines a few of the specific things his heavenly Shepherd provides for him

Provides rest

Vs 2: “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”

“Green pastures” aren’t constantly-lush fields as you’d imagine in Oregon or Ireland; for a Judean shepherd they represent not having to continue moving to find nourishment. The sheep can rest because the Shepherd is providing what they need and knows where to take them.

Furthermore, the shepherd makes his sheep lie down to rest. He knows when to press forward and when to rest.

God is described in caring this way for Israel in Ezekiel 34:14-15

“I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God.”

However, David understands this same care for himself personally. God is taking care of him.

“He leads me beside still waters”

Still waters allow the sheep to rest and drink.

Not only were faster-moving waters more dangerous for sheep, but the “quiet” or “still” waters build on the metaphor for rest. The sheep aren’t in a rush. They can take their time as they drink.

In the midst of all the demands of being king, David enjoys the times the Lord makes him slow down.

This really is a beautiful picture for us, especially living in a culture that is so fast-paced, connected, and focused on efficiency.

When you close your eyes and picture what “rest” looks like, what comes to mind? Sitting on the porch of a mountain cabin reading a book? Swinging in a hammock between two palm trees on an island? For David, he pictured this meadow and quiet streams, but the Lord is the one who is providing the rest.

The result of the rest is restoration.

Provides restoration

Vs 3a: “He restores my soul”

Who is responsible for David’s restoration? God is.

God knows David’s needs.

God is providing the rest.

God is restoring David.

We’ll unpack this more in a bit, but too often, fallen humans operate like we are responsible for our own rest and refreshment.

I think most of us believe that the Lord desires for our souls to be refreshed, but we often think it’s up to us to get there. “If I’m not resting, I’m the one who needs to do something about it.”

Here, God takes responsibility for David’s health. The Lord is taking better care of David than David would of himself.

God provides rest. God provides restoration. And God provides guidance.

Provides guidance

Vs 3b: “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake”

Andrew talked about this last week out of Psalm 119:9-16. We are prone to wander, but we serve a God who guides us.

When they are moving, the Lord is showing David where to walk. He’s showing him the right paths.

God is leading where He’s desiring His people to go. He’s in front.

Sheep are led from the front; they’re not driven from behind like cows.

God leads; David follows

And it’s all for the reputation of the Shepherd…“for His name’s sake”

God is glorified when His people follow His leading.

Look at what David is saying the Lord does these first 3 verses:

He makes

He leads

He restores/refreshes

He leads/guides

This is already a personal psalm for David with the use of “my,” “I,” and “me.”

But in verse 4, it gets even more personal

The surroundings darken, and the subject when referring to God shifts from 3rd person (He) to 2nd person (You).

David isn’t just talking about the Lord; he talks to the Lord and identifies that the Lord is present through darkness.

2) The Lord is present through darkness (vs. 4)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death”

This is still under the “Lord as my Shepherd” portion of this psalm

There is a progression: from the fields/waters to the paths to the valley

He has been following the Shepherd, but he is now away from the green pastures and still waters. But David hasn’t wandered off on his own; he’s not there by accident.

The Shepherd has led him there

“The valley of the shadow of death” is on the “paths of righteousness.”

In David’s context, there were many “valleys” that were scary and could lead to death: enemy invasions, war, famine, disease, not obeying God’s commands. David often faced circumstances like this.

The valleys we face today aren’t usually going to be enemies trying to kill us or leading an entire nation of people, but we can still face scary circumstances: an unexpected major expense or a job change, a negative health diagnosis or the loss of a loved one.

What are the circumstances in your life that are generating the most fear in you right now?

It’s in this valley that David makes a bold proclamation.

Provides presence

“I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

David says “you” instead of “he”

Again, this is a personal psalm, and David’s fears are assuaged by the presence of the Lord.

Notice that the circumstances don’t change. He’s still in the valley. But he knows the Lord is with him there.

The “rod” and “staff” have different functions, but the point here isn’t mainly about what they do but about who they belong to.

The presence of the tools indicate the presence of the Shepherd.

David sees the tools of the Shepherd, which reminds David that the Lord is with him even when it’s the scariest.

The Lord as the psalmist’s Shepherd provides, guides, and is present with him. Because of that, David lacks nothing and doesn't need to fear.

While David identifies the Lord as his Shepherd in vs. 1-4, he shifts metaphors in vs. 5-6. David is now heading to a house where the Lord will be his Host and is preparing a lavish feast for his guest.

3) The Lord prepares a feast (vs. 5-6)

Vs 5a: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”

The idea here is that David is coming over, and God is setting the table.

David isn’t welcoming the Lord into his house; the Lord is welcoming David into His.

Hospitality in Middle Eastern culture was and is much richer than what we may think of it. People wouldn’t just swing by for a 5 minute visit, but the host would put out a bunch of food and have the guest stay for a long time.

We’ve heard this from some of our missionaries in other areas of the world. It’s not uncommon to spend a few hours with a neighbor who puts out a lot of food.

What’s unique about this table is that God is setting it up in the presence of David’s enemies.

The text doesn’t say that the enemies are eating with David, but instead they’re watching God set the table for David’s arrival and meal.

It’s like God is prepping this massive feast, and David’s enemies are having to watch through the window from outside the house.

Vs 5b: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows”

When David shows up, God anoints his head with oil.

While kings were anointed during this time, what this is talking about is putting oil on the head of honored guests.

Do you see this picture taking shape? God is stoked that David is coming over, He welcomes him in as an honored guest, and He hasn’t spared any expense.

“My cup overflows” is highlighting the abundance with which God is blessing David.

God has already been providing for David (“green grass” and “still waters”), but He continues to provide generously.

God’s resources aren’t limited. He’s not being stingy. He isn’t setting out a plate of crackers and some water or just giving David a snack; He’s filling every inch of the table!

What’s coming with David when he shows up? God’s goodness and steadfast love

Vs 6a: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”

God’s goodness is shown in His abundant care and blessing

God’s mercy is translated as “love” or “lovingkindness” or “steadfast love” in other translations, but it refers to the covenantal love God has for His people.

This is what is following David all the days of his life

David doesn’t have enemies behind him; he has goodness and mercy following him instead.

They’re like an entourage or hype-people following David around, and David sees himself staying in the Lord’s house his whole life

Vs 6b: “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever [or for length of days]”

With a setting like this, who wouldn’t want to be spending all their time in this house?

“I will dwell” can also be translated as “returns” or “restores,” so David is acknowledging that he can experience God’s presence as often as He returns to the house of the Lord (e.g. the Temple). The thing that makes the Temple special isn’t the place itself but the presence experienced there.

One commentary rewords the second half of vs 6, “‘I shall continually come back to the house of the Lord as long as I live.’”--Expositor’s on 23:6 footnote

Why can David be so sure of His position in the house of the Lord? Because for David, all of this depends on the Lord.

The Lord provides

The Lord is present

The Lord prepares a feast for him

Pointing to Jesus/The Gospel

In Psalm 23, David is reveling in His Lord, but what David is experiencing in part, Jesus would fulfill as the Good Shepherd

The Lord that David praised would put on flesh and come to earth.

Jesus would trust the Father to provide (Luke 22:42; Luke 23:46)

Jesus would walk through the valley of the shadow of death and be forsaken (Matt 27:46) so that we would never be forsaken (Matt 28:20; Heb 13:5)

Jesus would go to prepare a home (John 14:1-3) and a feast (Rev 19:9) for His followers.

What David was saying about the Lord as his Shepherd, Jesus would embody as the Good Shepherd by laying down His very life for His sheep.

John 10:11-15

Jesus cares for His sheep. He knows the needs of His people, and he knows their greatest need is to be saved from their sin, so He has demonstrated His love by laying down His very life.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd we can trust.

So what do we do with this?

For Followers of Jesus

For followers of Jesus, we must start with acknowledging that we don’t always trust the Good Shepherd.

We believe we can shepherd ourselves just fine.

I want to highlight 3 lies we believe that prevent us from trusting the Good Shepherd.

I provide my own rest

This can sound like, “I’m solely responsible for finding ways to rest. I have to do what I need to for my own health.”

So we tack on a handful of “restful” things to the bottom of our crazy-long to-do list, but we never get around to them and live in exhaustion and guilt.

The problem is we think our solution is often “try harder” or “make more room in your schedule” when the real antidote is coming to Jesus because He provides my rest.

Jesus provides my rest Matthew 11:28

I can’t tell you how refreshing this verse is for my soul.

I’ve already confessed to you that this is an area of regular struggle for me, which is why I need this message as much as you

I try to manufacture rest when Jesus says He’s the one who provides it when we come to Him

He wants our weary and exhausted souls, which is why He makes this invitation

Question isn’t, “What can I do to get rest,” but instead, “What can I do to come to Jesus?”

Pray, read, listen to worship songs, go for walks, etc.

While trying to create space for restful things in our schedules can be helpful, what we most desperately need is to accept Jesus’ invitation to come to Him. When we come to Him, He gives us rest as a gift.

I am alone

Believing that “I am alone” can sound like, “No one understands what I’m going through. Everyone else has their own challenges, and I don’t want to burden them with mine, so I’m just going to keep things to myself. I need to figure out how to get through this on my own.”

This is especially pronounced when we are facing uncertainty or when we find ourselves in scary circumstances, so we compartmentalize our fears, trying the best we can to put on a good face for others, but all the while, we live in turmoil and feel like we’ll be overcome by the darkness around us.

The problem is we think our solution is “just deal with it because no one else understands” when the real antidote is that Jesus is with us and has promised His peace.

The Spirit indwells and I have peace John 14:16-17, 27

The Good Shepherd isn’t just with us; His Spirit is in us

He walked through the valley of the shadow of death and was forsaken for us, and He has sent His Spirit to indwell His believers.

Peace that Jesus leaves is because of His presence.

We don’t have to fear even in the valley of the shadow of death because Jesus is with us.

I know everyone in this room is dealing with various challenges (health issues within families; trials in marriages & families; uncertainties about the future; etc.)

But often our prayers are, “Please change what’s happening around me.”

What if, instead, we prayed that we would take comfort in the presence of Jesus and the peace He provides no matter our circumstances?

Peace is found in the presence of Jesus through His Spirit, not the change of our circumstances. You are not alone. You don’t have to fear evil because Jesus is with you.

I must prepare for the worst

The best way to think about this is preparing for the apocalypse. After the bomb has gone off, resources are scarce, and enemies are plenty.

Believing that “I have to prepare for the worst” can sound like, “Everyone around me is after me. I need to protect and ration what I have and must sleep with one eye open because they are coming for me.”

So we live our lives with our eyes constantly fixed on our enemies and trying to analyze what their next move is.

The problem is we think our solution is “be on the defensive” when the real antidote is focusing on our generous Host.

Jesus prepares a home for His followers John 14:1-3

The reality for followers of Jesus is that our future is secure.

But so often we feel like we have enemies chasing us. We consume so much media that feeds off of end-of-world predictions.

We spend so much time watching others, and we miss the future that Jesus is preparing for us.

How much of your day are your thoughts fixed on what’s going wrong instead of on what Jesus has done and promised to do?

You don’t have to prepare for the worst, because Jesus has already prepared the best for you.

I provide my own rest

I am alone

I must prepare for the worst

Which one of these lies are you wrestling with the most this morning?

This isn’t just the reality of the world “out there;” this is my attitude apart from regular repentance and faith in Jesus.

1) Share and 2) Pray: Tell someone else which one before you leave today, and take a minute to pray for them.

As followers of Jesus, let’s repent for where we’re trying to shepherd ourselves and trust the Good Shepherd

For NYB

If you’re listening to this and you haven’t committed your life to following Jesus, I’m guessing you’ve probably heard this psalm before. You may have even read it when you’ve been going through some dark times.

You may have experienced the pressure to provide rest for yourself or felt alone in dark seasons of your life or be anxious about worst-case scenarios and feel the need to prepare.

God is using these things to point out your need for the Good Shepherd.

All our attempts to be satisfied through shepherding ourselves leave us lacking, but Jesus is the Good Shepherd who not only provides what we need, but He also gives us abundant life.

It’s only through Him that you can enter into this abundant life.

John 10:7-10

If you’re tired of the pressure of trying to navigate life on your own, enter into the abundant life of the Good Shepherd through the door that is Jesus by turning away from your sin and putting your faith in Him.

If you have questions about what this looks like, talk to myself or one of our elders at the platform after the service.

Communion

David envisioned the Lord preparing a table before him, and a thousand years later, Jesus would prepare another table that He would share with His disciples during Passover: the Lord’s Supper.

It’s a table where we can remember our Good Shepherd and generous Host.

Even when we were His enemies, He laid down His life so that He could invite us to this meal.

At Sierra Bible Church, we typically observe communion on the first Sunday of the month, which we did last week.

However, the Bible doesn’t specify how frequently but only says “as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup” (1 Cor 11:26).

While the Elder Team is prayerfully considering possibly celebrating communion weekly for a variety of reasons, and while we’re still discussing it, we felt the Lord leading us to come to the table again this week.

Listen to what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.”

Logistics

As the Worship Team comes up, I want to give a couple of instructions

If you are a follower of Jesus--if you are following the Good Shepherd--you are welcome to partake with us. This means that you have heard the Good News of who Jesus is and what He has done, and you’ve committed your life to following Him.

If you have not yet committed your life to following Jesus, please use this time for prayer and reflection rather than coming forward. Even use this time to come into Jesus’ flock through Him as the door by repenting and putting your trust in Him.

If you aren’t able to get up to come forward, raise your hand and someone will bring it to you.

Let’s take some time to prepare our hearts, and when you’re ready, come forward to take the elements.

Pray

Thank You for being the Good Shepherd who we can trust.

Help us not to believe the lies we talked about this morning and instead live lives of regular repentance and faith.

For those who aren’t yet in Your fold, call them to yourself this morning so they can enter the abundant life You’ve promised.

Help us remember the Good Shepherd this morning through communion.

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)