God our Shepherd
Psalm 23
Psalm 23 puts us in our right minds as we struggle for contentment, confidence, acceptance, rest in our souls. David’s heart was focused on God the shepherd. He longed for the shepherd.
Psalm 23 teaches us about the riches, care and provisions of the Lord our shepherd:
1. v.1 If the Lord is my shepherd, he will supply all my needs.
I shall lack nothing.
David expresses, in terms he well understood experientially, being a shepherd boy himself…
Jesus used that image of intimacy to communicate his love for his sheep:
John 10:14 I am the good shepherd; and I know my own and my own know me.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.
Jesus contrasted himself with other shepherds, the false shepherds of Israel.
So Jesus gives us what we need, not always what we want. We don’t always know the difference. We think what we want is what we need.
And my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus. (Phil.4:19)
All of God’s blessings are purchased for you at the cross of Christ.
I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.
Christianity is where God does the unthinkable.
Romans 5:7-8
For one would hardly die for a righteous man…but God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Everything is necessary that he sends;
Nothing can be necessary that he withholds.
2. If the Lord is your shepherd, he will restore you when you fall.
v.3 he restores my soul (James 3:1 For we all stumble in many ways..)
There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who have no need of repentance. Luke 15
Ps.119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
God afflicts to put you on the paths of righteousness.
3. If God is my shepherd, he will be with me in the dark.
v.4 even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me…
In one hand is a rod, like a club, to ward off would-be attackers.
In the other hand a staff, the long stick used to control.
In the NT that staff has become the person of the Holy Spirit, given to us for help, counsel, comfort, understanding, illumination.
Such confidence produces cool under pressure, pictured in v. 5:
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
God, the host of the banquet, welcomes you in Christ, rolls out the best, offers the oil of welcome, fills your cup to overflowing. But you’ll never enjoy it if:
1. you think you deserve it.
2. you have it filled with self-importance (however you measure that)
4. If God is my shepherd, he will preserve me to the end
v.6 surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
