The Father as Shepherd

Happy Father’s Day!

What’s a Father’s Day without a little cheesy humor? So here we go..

What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese!

Why did the bicycle fall over? Because it was two-tired!

What do you call fake spaghetti? An impasta!

And one more: Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, no atmosphere.

Today, we’re launching a new series: “Summer in the Psalms.” 

We’re beginning with one of a well-known and the most beloved psalms in Scripture—Psalm 23.

Most of us can quote some, if not all, of it..

psalm 23. has offered comfort, strength, and gives hope to people in every season of life—whether from hospital bed, at a celebration of life service or…a quiet moments of reflection on a chaotic day ..

Psalm 23 has been called the “Psalm of Trust”—

It is a song of deep, unshakable confidence in the goodness, presence, and guidance of the Lord..

But it’s more than just a comforting word— It’s a portrait of God’s character, especially His fatherly care.

In just six verses, we are given two powerful metaphors for who God is:

The Lord is our Shepherd

The Lord is our Gracious Host

These images are rich with meaning— showing us what faithful fatherhood looks like.

Psalm 23 was likely written towards the end of David’s life, in a time of peace, as he reflects on the arc of his life and the faithfulness of God to the people of Israel.

David writes as someone who has experienced life..

He has gone through the ups and downs… highs and lows…

He started out as a shepherd, working for his father Jesse—and from a young age, he faced lions and bears…

As a teenager, he stood against the philistine giant Goliath… when no one else would.

After the defeat of Goliath..He rose to popularity , but that didn’t last long … for much of his life, David was hunted by King Saul—living as an exile, hiding out in caves.

In his Later life, David became king of Israel and reigned for 40 years.. a time of peace …where he gathered materials to build the temple.…

. as David looks back..

He acknowledges that he had walked through green pastures and dark valleys of life.— yet he comes through it

All by Gods Goodness.. his grace and mercy continually trailing behind..….

In Our church in Africa.. we would often open service with

“God is good,” “All the time!” Church would response..

“All the time,” “God is good!”

The truth is.. God is good no matter..

The theologian Wayne Grudem says..

“The goodness of God means that God is the final standard of good, and that all that God is and does is worthy of approval.” Wayne Grudem..

In other God is good because of who he is … His nature..

Today as we reflect on psalms 23 . It offers wisdom on how to be a good and faithful father.…..

Psalm 23 teaches us three key qualities that reflect God’s heart for fatherhood.

The Father as a shepherd.

1. Seeks to build trust and confidence

In the ancient world.. kings and leaders were referred to as Shepherds…not just that they were rulers, but also because they were caretakers.

They provided leadership, care and protection for their people. —

When comes to leadership in the Home..

— God’s in his wisdom, has placed us all into families. within families there is structure.. , He has given us the gift of parents… to love, nurture and to raise us...

In this union of marriage each are joint heirs to the graces of God… there isnt lesser of greater..but .together .Each parent plays a vital role….

Mothers often reflect the nurturing heart of God—tender, present, emotionally attuned. They provide warmth, comfort, and stability through their care.

Fathers, on the other hand, are given the responsibility of leadership— providing for the family both practically and emotionally, and perhaps most importantly—setting the spiritual tone in the home…

The first three verses in Psalm 23 teach us how as Fathers — actively build trust and confidence in our homes..

lets read

Psalm 23:1–3 ESV

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 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.

lets break this down.. David begins with .

— The Lord— is my Shepherd—

David writes from the perspective of being one of the Sheep… seeing the Lord as his Shepherd..

David says. “The Lord is my shepherd.”

This is not abstract theology.

David doesn’t say “The Lord is a shepherd,”

or even “The Lord is the shepherd”—though both are true.

He says, “The Lord is my shepherd.”

It’s deeply relational.

There is closeness… between the shepherd and the sheep..

One of my Professors Dr. Laniak and his family spent a whole year ..living among the Bedouin shepherds in palistine… I think at point… one of the Shepherds offered dowery for his daughter hand in marriage..he was always am used by that..

But Dr. Laniak..

— learned that Shepherds develop deep emotional connections with their flocks, considering the animals as family and feeling distressed when one is lost..

They literally know each sheep by name..

As Fathers — we need know that our Children long for closeness….

With closeness comes trust and connection..

Trust is currency in relationships…

“We often think building trust takes big moments — an unforgettable vacation, a huge act of generosity.

Trust is not deposited in one lump sum.. but rather through daily deposits of connection and consistency.

Trust is built on a Tuesday morning during the car ride…

In saying, ‘I’m proud of you,’

or simply showing up on time.

We learn from the Psalm 23 that Fathers builds Trust and confidence…

—as…. David reflects on his life and the history of Israel...

He sees God’s consistent character..

The Lord was the Shepherd of Israel during the time of Moses. When Israel wondered in the wilderness for 40 years

Throughout that time, God led His people faithfully—guiding them by a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day.

God took care of all their needs. He provided manna and quail for food, and their clothes and sandals did not wear out, even after walking thousands of miles.

At the same time, God showed Himself faithful to David, even when David felt he had blown it..

For years, David was on the run, fleeing for his life from King Saul. (He had his own wilderness experience) One of David’s lowest moments came when, in frustration and fear, he decided to take matters into his own hands… he is under pressure..

and thinks to himself that Saul will never look for me in the the Philistine camp!” 

So he heads to Gath—Goliath’s hometown—carrying Goliath’s sword.

Think about that! The very weapon he used to defeat their champion, now in the middle of their city.

It never occurred to David that someone might recognize him—and as it happened ..

The servants of King Achish saw David and said, “Isn’t this David, the one they sing about in Israel?”

 Panic set in. David realized he had made a terrible mistake. So what did he do?

He pretended to be insane. He started scratching at doors and letting saliva run down his beard.

It’s a low point. But even there—in enemy territory, acting like a madman—God rescued him.

Not because David had it all together. But because God was faithful..

God can be trusted ever when we have blown it… … David strayed, God remained.

…David isn’t writing Psalm 23 with a pen full of theory—he’s writing it with a heart full of testimony.

That’s why he can say:

The lord is MY SHEPHERD..

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

HE leads me quite waters..

Applicatiion.. Sometimes, we’re running ourselves into the ground, trying to fix it all,

trying to hide from it all,

trying to carry it all—and God says if you trust me….

I will make you lie down in green pastures…— I will gives the rest you need for your soul..

it is interesting..

That sheep only lie down when they feel completely safe. This what God does..

God’s creates a safe environment where rest, trust, and openness can grow…

He give us rest and restores us with living water…

He restores our would..

T/s Psalm 23 reveals God’s heart and offers wisdom for faithful fatherhood.

.. first a Father as a shepherd leader....

Seek build trust and Confidence.

2. leads through Example and Presence

The story of David is really a tale of  two kings.

You’d be couldn’t find two different leaders..

After the time of the Judges, Israel looked around at the nations and said, “We want

Be like them… we want to have a king like them!” 

And so, God allow it… and Israel chose Saul.

Outwardly, Saul had it all—tall, strong, handsome. He looked the part.

he started off shy.. at his coronation..they couldn’t find him.. he was hiding..among baggage.. But over time, : power went to his head.

And Saul began to struggle with the.. balance

Of his royal authority…with God’s divine authority ..

Rather than being led.. , he become driven and resisted God.

His downfall came when he totally disregarded Samuel’s instructions—

to wait for him to do the offering before t he battle against the Amaliktes…Saul couldn’t wait for Samuel and so did it himself..taking the role of priest… this was the beginning of the end for king Saul..

…

On the other hand there’s

 David. David was God’s chosen shepherd-king.

His leadership wasn’t appearance but in faith, humility, and obedience.

David didn’t try to impress people—he followed God’s heart.

He led by example. He lived among the people, suffered with them, fought for them. He shepherded Israel with love, not his ego.

After years of conflict, when David is finally anointed king over all Israel,

The Elders of Israel recognized him.. as the true leader of Israel.

2 Samuel 5:1–2 ESV

1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh. 2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’ ”

.

Psalm 23 teaches us that leadership is presence. 

presence is more than perfection. David was t perfect… but was repentant… He knew how to be restores..

Psalm 23:3–4 ESV

3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

David tells us on the psalm…that The Lord leads intentionally,

with Purpose —along the Right Paths….according to his will..

for his names sake…

There are two ways a shepherd lead…,

First, a shepherd leads from within the flock—

He would wall in the middle of the flock..

present, attentive, and trusted.

Jesus lead like this…

he Spent 3 years with his disciples .. loving.. tend ing…t raining.. in John 10….John tells us that the Good shepherd goes through the door… he is not like the thief climbs over the wall…or the hired hand who runs away at the first sign of danger. No—He stays close.

the good shepherd is known..

John tells us on..

John 10:3 ESV

3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Second, a shepherd at times leads from behind—watching for the stragglers, pursuing the lost, guarding the weak.

In Luke 15, Jesus tells us about a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one that wandered. as Fathers we don’t just give directions—we walk the road .

We live out our values, our faith, and priorities.

b. He Is Present in the Valley

Psalm 23:4 ESV

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

There is no substitute for presence— Gordon Macdonald tells told the story..

James Boswell, a famous biographer , who often spoke about a cherished memory from his childhood—a day when his father took him fishing.

Boswell said it was one of the most meaningful days of his life. He spoke of it with great fondness, mentioning how much he learned and how deeply it impacted him.

Years later, a researcher curious about this story examined the journal of Boswell’s father to see what he had recorded about that day. The entry was surprisingly brief. It simply read:

“Went fishing with my son today. A day wasted.”

what a said commentary…to have not seen the joy of presence… The father felt unproductive. But to the son, it was priceless. It was a gift—an investment that echoed through his whole life.

here is the thing..

“Children may not remember what you taught them, but they will never forget that you were there.”

David writes, 

Psalm 23:4 ESV

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Father is a protector..

The rod was used to protect the sheep from danger.

The staff was used to gently guide them back when they wandered.

Fathers are called to be both protectors and mentors—firm when needed, but always compassionate.

Our children need to know we will stand up for them, speak truth to them, and always guide them back in love.

T/s There three take aways that Speak of the father as Spiritual leader….

1. Seeks to build trust and confidence

2. leads through Example and Presence

3. Prepares to Pray and Bless His Family

One of the greatest blessings is to have a praying parent or family member…

— I have blessed with several people in my life who know how to pray…

One them was my Dad Growing up — I saw him lead the example of a man of prayer… Every morning you find him on his knees, Bible open, head bowed. No spotlight. No stage. No performance…

He didn’t preach many sermons—but his life spoke volumes….

Psalms 23 gives us this vivid picture of the importance of blessing and praying for our families….

The image changes from the Shepherd to that of the host. the host who prepares the table..

—It reminds me of when Pam (when we were first married)

Taught me how to-set a table properly— where the butter knife goes, how the napkin should sit, what direction the side plate faces.

(I had no clue… )

Hospitality

takes time, thought, and care.

David writes..

Psalm 23:5–6 ESV

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

One of the qualities of a Host — is that they are always thinking about others… according to the Jewish Encyclopedia..

the Duty of Host It is the duty of the host to be cheerful during meals, and make his guests feel at home and comfortable at the table

Not much had changed..

David tells us that..

The good Shepherd prepares a table..

but what is unique is the table is set in the presence of our enemies.”

It’s a striking image— isn’t it…

David knew what it was like to be surrounded…by his enemies..

One of the most dramatic moments in his life … he was in a dark cave—the Cave of En Gedi (1 Samuel 24).

David and his men were hiding there, running from King Saul, who was hunting him down.

but…

Then, there is a twist of divine irony, Saul walked into that very cave to rest

—unaware that David was just a few feet away.

David’s men whispered, “This is your moment!

The Lord has delivered your enemy into your hands.”

It would’ve been easy for David to act, to take matters into his own hands, to force the outcome.

But David chose to wait…

Maybe he had learned from Saul not to take matters into your own hands..

 David trusted God’s timing more than his own ambition. 

—(He would not touch the Lords anointed )—

David feared the Lord more than he feared his enemies.

Years later, David looked back on his life and he and said: “The Lord delivered me from all my enemies.” (2 Samuel 22:1

The Lord set a table for David in the midst of his enemies..

David knew that God plan was best..

prayer is where battles are win and lost… the y are win in prayer.,

This week we looked a t that verse James 5.16.. t he prayer of a righteous man available much…

David writes in Psalm 23:5, 

Psalm 23:5 ESV

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

The  anointing with oil was more than a gesture—it was a sign of welcome, honor, and healing.

When a guest entered your home, oil was applied as a way of saying, “You’re seen. You’re valued. You’re safe here.” 

When we serve our families through our prayers we are blessing them..

We’re saying, “You are loved. You belong. And God is present here.”

 And the out come is that it makes room for God to bless.

c. He fills the cup with joy and grace

only God can gives true joupy..

Conclusion:

Father hood begins with us..

To be honest..Being a husband and Father is biggest Job I have ever had..

Most rewarding ….thing is to be a Dad… and must newly promoted Oupa..

I have learned that that its on going… my role love and to pray and bless my children continues… one not only to my children but the next generation..

Being a shepherd leader beginning with me..

 Dr. Timothy Laniak

“Every shepherd-leader is first and always a sheep who relates to God as ‘my Shepherd.’”

Timothy Laniak

That’s where leadership begins— Before we can lead others well, we must first be led well.. We are toBe shaped by the love, grace, and mercy of our Shepherd,

Before those things begin to trail behind us—

when we rest in him…his goodness is like the wake behind a boat—goodness and mercy touch everyone we love.

Psalm 23:6 says it so beautifully:

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

As we close I want us to think...

What is the legacy we leave behind?

What do you want your children to remember when they look back at your footsteps?

The truth our children..

may forget some of our advice. But they will remember our life. They’ll remember our love. They’ll remember our faith.

They’ll remember

The blessings..

lastly...

This Psalms is a inclusio//.

Begins with the Lord as shepherd and ends with the House of the Lord…

David so concerned about building the temple…but he ultimately saw the importance of Heavenly home.Psalm 23 ends with this promise:

“...and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

This is the end Goal…

That we will be together with him.. not just through this life but forever… What comforting words..

lets pray.. blessing to our fathers..