Untitled Sermon

PSALM 23

Look tonight at probably most recognizable of the Psalms

Differently, I'll give you some notes on some of the phrases first, then read

But first, a story

The Bible class teacher asked if anyone in class could quote the 23rd Psalm

A very young little girl raised her hand

Because she was so young, the teacher was skeptical

"You can quote the entire 23rd Psalm?" Yes, she replied

The teacher waved her to the front of the room

She took a small bow and said, "The Lord is my shepherd... That's all I want." And sat down

She skipped over some detail, but captured the intent and mood of the Psalm

There are two allegories in the Psalm

The first is that of a sheep

David was a shepherd

He knew sheep... What they need, want, what makes them happy or unhappy

He also knew the role of a shepherd

He knew how a good shepherd regards and treats his sheep

He knew the responsibilities associated with providing for and protecting his sheep

The Holy Spirit could probably not have found a more qualified man to pen this Psalm

David starts out (vs. 1), "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want"

That's what she said, "That's ALL I want."

It is the stated premise, the purpose that the Psalm is intended to convey

But David then goes on to expound on WHY that is true.

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures."

Sheep don't lie down if they are anxious, hungry, afraid, or uncomfortable.

Almost all the translations render this "green grass" (YLT says "tender grass")

This is the idea of the Hebrew word

Have you ever seen a freshly sprouted lawn that is fully grown in, but the grass is still very new and tender (not mature enough to be stiff of tough)

You want to walk through it in bare feet, feel the soft comfortable lawn between your toes.

The idea is not grass

to eat (he'll get to that in a bit)

But a place of complete peace and comfort

Nothing to disrupt or prevent your rest, and a perfectly soft and comfortable place to lie down

"He leads me beside the still waters"

STILL waters, as opposed to a babbling brook or stream, or a rolling boiling river

The imagery suggests a large, deep body of water that is not easily stirred up

The idea is STABILITY. You can trust these waters to stay at rest

"He restores my soul"

The word "restores" is often translated "return"

Sheep don't have a very good sense of direction

They're not very smart.

So if the shepherd isn't careful, they'll wander off and get into many kinds of trouble

But the shepherd finds, rescues, and returns or "restores" the sheep.

Returns it to where it is supposed to be.

"He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

This is to the OBVIOUS benefit of the sheep, but he says "for his name's sake".

In Hebrews 6, starting about vs. 13, the writer talks about God's promise to Abraham

He says that God swore an oath upon Himself, because there was nothing greater to base His oath on.

The writer refers to "two immutable things" that serve as a guarantee of God's promise

It's a tricky passage but I think...

Immutable truth #1 is that God is capable of doing whatever He says He can do.

Immutable truth #2 is that He cannot lie...

If God says He can and will do something

It is impossible for Him not to do it (against His character and nature)

So when God says...

Follow Me, and I will lead you in paths of righteousness

He WILL do that...

Obviously to OUR benefit...

But also to HIS benefit... It is a sign of His integrity

So this Psalm represents a promise that God is capable of fulfilling, and impossible for Him to default on His part

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."

Probably why this Psalm is read so often at funerals

I think the reference include that final walk through the valley of the shadow of death

God's promise that even as we ALL must take that walk

We need not take it alone. Our shepherd will lead us through it.

I don't think it is limited to literal death

Over the course of our life, we all walk through MANY shadowy valleys

Notice the writer does not say the shepherd leads him AROUND the valleys

But THROUGH them

There is no promise that we'll never go through dark and difficult times

But the IMMUTABLE promise that our shepherd is with us as we go through them.

"Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Not clear if this is two words referring to one thing, or rod (like a walking stick) and staff (shepherd's hook) are different things

A shepherd's hook is used to catch sheep by a leg or horns to pull it out of trouble.

It can also be used as a weapon to fight off predators

The writer is aware of the presence of this tool or tools

And is comforted by the knowledge that the shepherd WILL use them to defend or rescue his sheep from trouble

A second allegory beginning in vs. 5 of a benevolent host caring for his guest

"You prepare a table before me int he presence of my enemies"

You don't usually sit down to eat while your enemies are present

It's a vulnerable position, and exposes you to danger

But the host prepares a table signifying provision of everything that is needed for the guest

AND protection from enemies, which the guest is unable to provide for themselves

"You anoint my head with oil"

Oil was often used to indicate consideration and honor upon a guest

But shepherds used oil as well...

To treat cuts and wounds on their sheep to prevent infection and promote healing

And to discourage pests that would attach sheeps sensitive nostril area

So it represents compassion and consideration of the guest, as well as to indicate the guests significance to the host.

"My cup runs over"

It was customary in the East to fill the guests cup to the point of overflowing

It was meant to express the idea that the host will provide everything... Indeed more than you need.

If you drink all of this, no worries... We will provide more

The final verse is sometimes taken as indicative of eternal life

I think that's probably include ultimately in the thought

But I think there is a promise here to the faithful follower of a bountiful life

Oh, you may not be rich and famous by the world's standards

Paul said in Philippians 4:11-13 (NKJV)

11 ... for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

That kind of contentment in any situation is only possible when you know that whatever happens, your shepherd is there see you through.

Conclusion

READ Psalm 23

If you don't have that confident assurance that you are following the great shepherd who can care for and protect you, maybe you need to make some changes

Do you have some spiritual issue that we can help with?

Do you need to confess sin and let us pray with you for forgiveness?

Do you need to put yourself in the fold of the Great Shepherd by being baptised for the remission of sins?

Would you like to study with someone to learn what God wants from you, and how you can have this kind of relationship with Him?

If we can help in any of these ways, reach out to us or come as we stand and sing.