The Good Shepherd's Love

A Sermon on Psalm 23

Introduction

I know that many of our sermons challenge us—they call us to "do this, be that, try harder." Sometimes a sermon can be a long to-do list. You leave church feeling burdened by all the demands. All these things are true, and if you're not being challenged, you're not paying attention. But today, I want something different for us. Today, I just want us to feel the love and goodness of God.

We need that. We must never forget that even when we fail, He loves us. Even when it seems like He is absent, He loves us. The Bible tries to paint that beautiful picture throughout its pages, and if you miss that, you're not paying attention.

God's Many Images

Many images are used to describe God in Scripture. Jesus used "Father" quite often, and I like that—I think it best encapsulates our relationship with Him. But there are others, and many of them involve animals.

We see God described as a hen gathering her chicks. In Luke 13:34, Jesus cries out: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing."

We see God described as an eagle carrying us on His wings. In Exodus 19:3-4, the Lord tells Moses: "This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 'You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.'"

Jesus is described as the Lion of Judah, powerful and majestic.

Most of us can relate to these animal images because we have pets, and for the most part, we love our pets. Animals go on vacation with us. If not, we put them up in what are essentially animal spas. We see more and more places and restaurants opening their doors to animals. Animals serve as emotional support and are used in therapy. Humans have a unique relationship with animals that, in some ways, mirrors the relationship that God has with humans.

The Good Shepherd

Another animal image used quite often in Scripture is that of a shepherd. Jesus made seven "I Am" statements: "I am the bread of life," "I am the light of the world," "I am the door," "I am the resurrection and the life," "I am the way, the truth, and the life," and "I am the true vine." One of these "I Am" statements uses animal imagery: "I am the good shepherd."

In John 10:11-15, Jesus declares: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep."

The relationship between shepherd and sheep was quite beautiful—much like many of us have relationships with our pets. Think about how much you love your dog or cat. Now I know some of you are not dog or cat people, but let's run with this anyway. The care we have for our pets can point us to the care that God has for us.

Psalm 23: A Portrait of God's Care

One of the most beautiful descriptions of God's shepherding care is found in Psalm 23—today's Parishioner's Pick. When my mom died in February, I found myself saying the 23rd Psalm, the Lord's Prayer, and the words from the Sermon on the Mount about those who grieve.

As I read this psalm now, I want you to hear God's care for you. Find comfort in His love. Find peace in His provision.

Psalm 23:1-6: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

[Ask Basil to lead us in a song inspired by this Psalm]

This is a favorite of so many because it describes so much of our relationship with God.

Protection

The shepherd's primary concern was the protection of the sheep. God is on our side. He watches over us with vigilant care.

Provision

Green pastures, quiet waters, soul refreshment—He recognizes our needs and provides for them. When we have the Good Shepherd, we have all we need. He knows what we require before we even ask.

Guidance

He helps us and keeps us on the right paths. I am likely to take the wrong path on my own, but He guides me in righteousness for His name's sake.

Presence in Distress

Even in the darkest valley, we are confident in His presence. He will see us through. This may be the most meaningful aspect for our parishioner who picked this psalm. The "valley of the shadow of death," as some translations put it, reminds us that even in death, He can give us peace. God is with us in those dark times. He understands because He has been one of us in Jesus Christ.

At a funeral, how wonderful it is to know your loved one was loved and that you are loved. When my mother died, an old high school friend came by whom I hadn't seen in years. I was comforted knowing I was cared for. In fact, sometimes we feel God's presence most strongly during these dark days. As Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

You Are With Me

"You are with me"—those are powerful words, but they're affirmed in Scripture over and over again.

Deuteronomy 4:7: "What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?"

Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Genesis 28:15: "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

Psalm 94:14: "For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance."

Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

As Max Lucado writes in "Traveling Light": "The discovery of David is indeed the message of Scripture—The Lord is with us. And since the Lord is near, everything is different. Everything! You may be facing death, but you aren't facing death alone; the Lord is with you. You may be facing unemployment, but you aren't facing unemployment alone; the Lord is with you. You may be facing marital struggles, but you aren't facing them alone; the Lord is with you. You may be facing debt, but you aren't facing debt alone; the Lord is with you. Underline these words: you are not alone. Your family may turn against you, but God won't. Your friends may betray you, but God won't. You may feel alone in the wilderness, but you are not. He is with you. And because He is, everything is different. You are different."

The Complete Picture of God's Care

Vindication Towards Enemies

David knew this so well—we will be vindicated in the presence of our enemies. Those who oppose us will be put to shame. We will be honored in front of those who have attacked us.

Anointing

We have a mission. The anointing may have been practical—to keep flies away—but anointing was always accompanied by joy. We are set apart for His purposes.

Abundant Blessing

"My cup overflows"—a Christian has a special sense of the blessings of God. We have all spiritual blessings in Christ. Our lives are marked by abundance, not scarcity.

His Promise of Goodness and Mercy

They are following me, chasing me—His goodness and His love are always right there, pursuing us with relentless grace.

His Promise of Heaven

We have a great hope that extends beyond this life into eternity with Him.

Conclusion

God cares for you with a love that is unsurpassed and unmatched. Life may be difficult, but He is with you. Most often, even when we think we can't go on, in time we feel His joy once again. He will stand up for us, and if not now, someday we will be vindicated. And He has given us the promise of eternal life with Him.

Perhaps you've been carrying a heavy burden of a demanding God who never seems satisfied with your efforts. Yes, God calls us to holiness. Yes, He challenges us to grow. But today, receive this truth: you are deeply, completely, irrevocably loved by the God who calls you His own.

You don't have to perform for His affection. You don't have to earn His care. You don't have to be perfect to be precious to Him. You are His sheep, and He is your Shepherd, and that relationship is sealed not by your faithfulness but by His.

Rest in that love today. Let it heal the places where you've been wounded by disappointment. Let it fill the spaces where you've felt empty. Let it remind you that you belong to Someone who will never let you go.

And because we know we are so loved, we follow Him—not out of obligation, but out of gratitude. Not because we have to, but because we get to.