The Shepherd's Psalm
Prayers of the Bible /The Shepherd's Psalm • Sermon • Submitted
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· 8 viewsGod provides rest, direction, and protection to His sheep
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God is the Good Shepherd
God is the Good Shepherd
God is likened to a Shepherd - one who provides for and cares for the sheep in His charge
God is likened to a Shepherd - one who provides for and cares for the sheep in His charge
Characteristics of sheep
Characteristics of sheep
strong sense of flocking (herd instinct)
will follow a leader (even if it is not a good idea)
not overly bright
not able to survive on their own (sheep need a shepherd)
The Good Shepherd meets the needs of the sheep (Ps 23:1-3a)
The Good Shepherd meets the needs of the sheep (Ps 23:1-3a)
God’s Provision is Sufficient (I shall not want)
God’s Provision is Sufficient (I shall not want)
God will provide for the needs of His children. Our issue is coming to terms with the difference between a want and a need.
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
God’s Provision is Good (green pastures, still waters)
God’s Provision is Good (green pastures, still waters)
The Shepherd leads the sheep into places where they can graze and drink, places that are out of the scorching heat of the desert. The sheep are not eating weeds and drinking foul water.
God’s Provision is Refreshing (restores the soul)
God’s Provision is Refreshing (restores the soul)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
The Good Shepherd guides & protects along the journey. (Ps. 23:3b-5a)
The Good Shepherd guides & protects along the journey. (Ps. 23:3b-5a)
God guides believers in ways that are Enlightening
God guides believers in ways that are Enlightening
God leads the sheep in the paths of righteousness. This a way of saying that His ways will provide for growth in personal holiness.
The focus here is the obedience of the sheep: will we follow where He leads?
We make choices everyday, but often fail to realize what is at stake. At a basic level our decisions about time, resources, and energy will reflect our choice to build up our personal kingdom, or they will reflect the building of God’s kingdom.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Obedience to the Shepherd’s leading brings glory to God. (for His name’s sake)
Obedience to the Shepherd’s leading brings glory to God. (for His name’s sake)
When believers follow God’s guidance and experience His provision, it is a testimony to the power and character of the Shepherd.
The Shepherd Protects His sheep (v. 4)
The Shepherd Protects His sheep (v. 4)
God does not supernaturally prevent all suffering and hardship from troubling His people. Believers will and do experience pain and loss along the journey.
Important Truth: Whatever touches us is filtered through His hand of Grace
“shadow of death,” connotes the emotional aspect of fear, sorrow, and/or danger
it refers to literal darkness in opposition to light, usually with an implied sorrow or fear.
The “you” signals the change of address, and “with me,” a poetic word used only with first person pronoun, connotes that “I do not fear because” I AM’s protective presence walks beside him.
Waltke, B. K., Houston, J. M., & Moore, E. (2010). The Psalms as Christian Worship: A Historical Commentary (p. 441). Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
The imagery of the Rod and Staff speak to the Shepherd’s role in warding off attacks. The Shepherd is able to guard His sheep!
The Shepherd gives Stability even in hard times
The Shepherd gives Stability even in hard times
the imagery here is vivid! Imagine a battle scene with all the noise, clash of weapons, shouts & screams, and projectiles and shots being aimed in your direction. Amidst the chaos, picture a table laden with a full course dinner with seating just for two. Juxtapose the serenity and calmness at the table with the surrounding clamor. God is able!!
The Shepherd’s goodness to the sheep will last for an eternity (vv. 5-6)
The Shepherd’s goodness to the sheep will last for an eternity (vv. 5-6)
The Shepherd comforts and heals the sheep
The Shepherd comforts and heals the sheep
You anoint glosses dšn Piel, which means literally “make fat,” with oil (baššemen). Unlike “to anoint” (mšḥ, Ps. 2:2), which signifies being consecrated to an office, dāšan Piel signifies the pouring of olive oil on the guest’s head, connoting the wealth, generosity, and care of the host to promote the renewal, joy, and healing of his weary and wounded guest: “In a climate where dry skin was a problem, especially for travelers, anointing with oil was a refreshment
Waltke, B. K., Houston, J. M., & Moore, E. (2010). The Psalms as Christian Worship: A Historical Commentary (pp. 442–443). Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
The Shepherd abundantly blesses the sheep
The Shepherd abundantly blesses the sheep
The phrase, “drinking from the saucer” originates from 23:5b, where the psalmist’s cup is stated to be “running over.” It signifies the abundance of mercy and blessings that God grants to His children, that while undeserved, are appreciated. It is another sign of the Shepherd’s ability.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
The Shepherd allows the sheep into His house for eternity
The Shepherd allows the sheep into His house for eternity
The final line states “ I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
While that is probably meant to be understood by the psalmist to refer to his earthly existence, the progressive revelation of the NT yields a more clear picture.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
