The Good Shepherd

Intro: Little Timmy’s Sunday school class was learning the 23rd Psalm. When it was Timmy’s turn to recite it, stood up and confidently said. “The LORD is my shepherd… what more shall I want?”

He may have misquoted the verse but he understood the meaning better than most. Jesus Christ is to His sheep all thay ever need!

Psalm 23 is by far the most well known passage of Scritpure in the Bible and perhaps the most effective as well. It has been read on T.V., in church services, hospitals, and funerals. It has been see upon art, plaques, and head stones. It is a source of comfort for many during times of trouble, it is my favorite chapter in the Bible and a place that I often go for refuge. It has been spoken by many soliders hunkered down in fox holes and its words have been formed by the lips of many dying on their bed of affliction. It has been a lullaby for fear, and has brought hope and peace to millions across the centuries. Many of you can recite it by heart and regurgitate it without thinking, and I think that is the danger of it, we have become so fimilar with the Psalm that we look past the Shepherd!

King David wrote this Psalm while advanced in age as he ponder over his life with the Good Shepherd, and I believe that the 1st five words to this paslm, when pondered, pressed and seales into our hearts will help us to know, love, and trust The Good Shepherd, who is all that we need!

I. The Shepherd’s Indentity

A. He is God of Creation

This sacred text says, “The LORD is my Shepherd,” it does not say “a lord is my Shepherd.” Notice LORD is in all caps, this is the Hebrew name for God, YHWH. The name of the Covenant keeping, self existant, all powerful, immutable God of creation. This name is used 6827 x in the OT. YHWH is first used in Gen. 2:4, during the creation story.

Of all the authors of Scripture, I dont think any was more aware of creation that David. Yall like being outside, David was a Shepherd, spending countless days and countless night on the hillsides *caring for and protecting his sheep*, staring at the blue skys and dark nights pondering the greatness of God! Psalm 8:3, Psalm 19:11!

ILL: Mawli nights in the bush, moon and stars.… Hammer Down (Hung, flung etc. etc.. ) Oh the greatness of God! He has no peers He has no Equals, He surpasses all others! But do you really want to blown away! Here is a truth even more marvoulous!

B. He is my Friend

Here is David out in the pasture caring for his sheep, he came to realize that just as he care for his sheep, This great God cares for him in the same way.… But more than that.… Shepherd root (rā·ʿā(h)) is the same root word used for friend (fact check me). A friend is a companion, someone who looks out for you, who cares for you. When David is saying the LORD is my Shepherd he is saying the maker of heaven and earth is my close friend, is my best friend! What a friend we have in Jesus! You see that is the idenitity of the Shepherd, Jesus!

II. The Shepherd’s Availabilty

III. The Shepherd’s Responsibilty

A. His is my Provider

B. He is my Pardon

Con: Years ago, a famous actor was invited to a banquet and asked to recite something for the guest. He asked if anyone had a request. An Old Preacher towards the back of the room raised his hand, when called upon the Old Pastor slowly stood up and politley asked, “would you recite the 23rd Psalm?” The actor agreed on one condition: that the Old Preacher would recite it after him. The actor stood, recited the Psalm with great eloquence and a dramitic flair. He had the crowd on the edge of their chairs and at one time it seemed as if he was about to sing it. Once finished the crowd stood and gave him a loud round applause..… The Old Preacher slowley stood and in a shakey and well worn voice, began: “The LORD is my shepherd.” By the time he had finshed, the room had become absolutly silent, and many had tears in their eyes, even the actor. After a long pause, the actor stood again, visibly emotional and said, Ladies and Gentlemen I know the Psalm - but he knows the Shepherd.