Untitled Sermon (2)

Our Shepherd 12262021 Morning Service

Psalm 23 (MEV) — A Psalm of David. 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. 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. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Lord – the name for God – YHWY – Name means “I am that I am”.

1. Jacobnames God as his shepherd in Gen. 48:15

a. God has chosen to be our shepherd

2. We are called the sheep of his pasture Psalm 78 – Lead his people in the wilderness like his flock. Will tend his flock like a shepherd – Isa 40:11

Shepherd– most personal metaphor for the Lord – because - their guide, protector, and physician, their everything.

1. Compared to distant – King or deliverer

2. Compared to the impersonal – Rock or shield

Shepherd work-

3. Considered menial work left for the youngest

4. Lived and cared for the sheep – 24 hours a day

a. Winter, Summer, Rain or Shine

b. Worked to nourish, guide, and protect

John 10 – I am the good shepherd

1. Identifies himself with God

2. Identifies himself with the task of being a provider for his people

Luke 15 – The parable of the lost sheep – Identifies as protector

Key Point: We are part of that “one flock”composed of believing Jews and Gentiles.

1. So we are not stretching the twenty-third psalm to see Jesus as our shepherd

2. and to apply the lines of the psalm carefully and in detail to ourselves.

I Shall Not Want: NO LACK OF REST

Green Pastures – a place of rest and peace –. Lie down only used for animals

1. Thinks in terms of the flock – unlike the hireling

2. Place of safety as compared with rushing water or the wild mountain brooks.

a. God would not have taken on a flock, a family, if he had not intended that he and they should be bound up with one another.

b. My presence will go with you and I will give you rest. Ex. 33:14

Restores my Soul – NO LACK OF LIFE.

1. Could mean spiritual

a. Restoration through repentance and forgiveness

2. Probably means physical

a. Meaning my life or myself

3. Example of a sheep that is cast down – the shepherd is the only one who can restore the sheep by rolling him over.

Guides me in the path of Righteousness – NO LACK OF GUIDANCE.

1. Sheep are foolish creatures in that they will wonder away.

a. Will wander to barren areas and waters unfit to drink.

2. Creatures of habit

a. Will graze an area until the grass is gone, Field ruined, and the sheep are impoverished.

b. Must give exception management to ensure proper health

3. Not just a straight path but a right path – a right way. We stray by sinning against God.

Isaiah 53:6 (MEV) — 6 All of us like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to his own way, but the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

I will fear no Evil – NO LACK OF SAFETY.

1. Seasonal transfer from low lands to the high lands in summer.

a. During transfer, Wild animal lurked, threat of rain and flooding

2. It is important to note that “the valley of the shadow of death” is as much God’s right path for us as the “green pastures” which lie beside “quiet waters.”

a. That is, the Christian life is not always tranquil nor, as we say, a mountain-top experience. God gives us valleys also. It is in the valleys with their trials and dangers that we develop character.

3. The problem is fear. What is the answer to it? Clearly, the answer is the shepherd’s close presence, for he is the only one who can protect the sheep and calm their

anxieties. His presents equal His Power

4. They Rod & Staff – No only does He lead, but he protects. / one to beat, other to pull

You prepare a table – NO LACK OF PROVISION.

1. Suggest that there is a switch from the Shepherd to that of a householder welcoming guests.

2. Imagery oil and wine - speaks of joy and prosperity, olives & Grapes take time.

3. In periods of domestic turmoil or war these tasks were not performed.

4. Table among enemies – At night, as they laid down, all sorts of wild beast where around.

Surely goodness and mercy – NO LACK OF A HEAVENLY HOME

Goodness – Pleasing, valuable or useful – something that can be counted upon.

Mercy – Unfailing, loyal love / Covenant steadfast love

1 Peter 5:4 (MEV) — 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of glory that will not fade away.

John 14:2–3 (MEV) — 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also.