A Shepherd's Heart

Saul’s penalty for failing to keep God’s Word was death. He even consulted a medium (sorceress) rather than seeking after (daresh) the Lord. Thus, God provided for His people David to shepherd and lead them.

Sermon in a Sentence: The Good Shepherd provides for his sheep, protects his sheep, and is present with his sheep.

God Provides for His Sheep. (v. 2b)

Saul’s penalty for failing to keep God’s Word was death. He even consulted a medium (sorceress) rather than seeking after (daresh) the Lord. Thus, God provided for His people David to shepherd and lead them.

God provides for our physical needs.

Psalm 23:1–2a ESV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Psalm 23:1–2 ESV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Ps 23:1

God provides for our emotional needs. He gives peace through his Word.

Psalm 23:2 ESV

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Ps

Ps 23:

God provides for our spiritual needs.

Psalm 23:3 ESV

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Ps 23:

Christ is our Good Shepherd and has promised to provide for our needs.

John 10:11 ESV

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

God Protects His Sheep. (v. 2a)

David was called to lead God’s people into battle. He sought the Lord before entering battle and saw God’s hand of deliverance. . One time God said to go up against the Philistines in the Valley of Rephaim, the other time God said to circle around and wait.

God protects us from evil.

Psalm 23:4 ESV

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.

God keeps us from being led away into sin and error (his rod and staff). He will correct us when we are going astray.

John 10:27–30 ESV

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

John 10:27-

God is Present with His Sheep. (v. 9)

God was with David as King. He left Saul, because Saul refused to listen to God’s Word. However, David sought the Lord’s will and God promised to be with him.

God has promised to be with us.

Psalm 23:5–6 ESV

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Are you trusting Christ to Provide for your needs or are your filled with anxiety? Are you trusting Christ to protect you? Remember, he has promised to never leave you.