The Lord is my Shepherd
Introduction: (a) Primary Passage – Psalm 23:1-6
(b) Additional Passage – John 10:11-13
If you are asked to look back and jot down your relationship with the Lord what would be your story like? The psalmist King David looks back over his life, and sings with grateful heart of God’s love and care. It is the echo of the shepherd-life among the hills of Judah. This psalm breathes the air of youth. But the psalmist is now old. Still, he cleaves to God. It was written by him who was raised from having care of a flock to be the king on Israel’s throne.
Psalm 23:1
1. The Lord is My Shepherd
(a) Sheep: Sheep are dumb and innocent creatures incapable of defending themselves. Unlike dogs or other household animals sheep that falls on their back cannot get up unless someone roles them over and help them stand on their feet. They are dependent creatures that must be guided to food and water and protected from wild animals. In the ancient Middle East sheep were precious symbols of wealth. Their wool provided yarn for clothing; their bodies were preferred for sacrifice.
(b) Shepherd: The Middle Eastern shepherd loved his sheep, gave each one a name, and cared for each one tenderly. Many a shepherd interposed himself between wild beasts and his sheep, and at night the shepherd lay down and slept in the single doorway to his sheepfold. Any enemy would have to pass him to attack his flock. Psalm 23 can be considered as a messianic prophecy about Jesus. Jesus identified Himself as that expected ‘Good Shepherd’ (John 10:11), also called the ‘Great Shepherd’ (Heb. 13:20) and ‘the Chief Shepherd’ (1 Peter 5:4).
2. I shall not Want: Needless to say just like the sheep we also are dumb, incapable of getting what we want and so weak to defending ourselves against the enemies’ schemes. We are fortunate to have God as our Shepherd because He will provide us abundantly.
Psalm 23:2
The shepherd knows exactly where the best feeding grounds are and leads his sheep to those places. Grass and Water (food and drink) are the two basic necessities of life for sheep.
1. He makes Me lie down in Green Pastures: The image of green pastures is of new tender green grass and vegetation. The word for pasture comes from a root word which means “at home, pleasant, beautiful”, giving the idea of a “pleasant place”.
2. He leads Me beside Still Waters: The Hebrew word translated here as “still” more literally means “resting place, i.e., a place where repose and rest from tiredness”.
Psalm 23:3
He Restores My Soul: The word translated here as “soul” more literally means “a breathing creature”, and can be understood as “life”. This is significant in that Jesus’ care for us is not only spiritual but also in our day-to-day physical needs. This phrase summarises and is illustrated by the former two lines. The restoration of our souls is through rest in a pleasant resting place (green pastures, still waters), and through sustenance of both food and drink (grass, water). The rest that Jesus gives frees us from the burden of trying to make ourselves right with God by obeying the law. It is receiving this grace that restores our soul, our entire life.
Most of the problems if not all we face in life are the results of not heeding the Shepherd’s guidance.
Psalm 23:4
1. Though I walk the Valley of the Shadow of Death: The shepherd knows from past experience that predators like coyotes, bears, wolves or cougars can take cover in these broken cliffs and from their vantage point prey on his flock. He knows these valleys can be subject of sudden storms, floods, rockslides, mudslides that would destroy or injure his sheep. But inspite of such hazards he also knows that this is still the best way to take his flock to the high country.
The darkness and death followed David everywhere. His victory over Goliath had won the hearts of people in Israel but Saul envied him so badly that Saul wanted him dead. David actually had to run for his own life before Philistines, his brothers, his close friends.
The phrase “the valley of the shadow of death” encapsulates all those things in this world that are worthy of deep fear such as sickness, murder, rape, war, starvation, invasion, climate change, child abuse, etc.
2. Your Rod and Your Staff – They Comfort Me: God knows that we will face many great evils in our lives. The Psalmist records how the Lord’s rod and staff (referring to a single instrument) comfort him in those situations.
The rod is the Word of God: (a) In addition to being a symbol of the shepherd’s authority over the sheep, it is to fight off animals that usually seek to prey upon the sheep. God’s Word is a symbol of authority over His sheep. His word helps us to resist temptations.
(b) The crook part of the staff is used to gently seize the sheep that tend to run away by its legs or neck and add them back to the flock. The rod is used for keeping the sheep on the right track. The Word of God prevents us from making wrong decisions.
(c) It is used to examine the sheep. The shepherd uses the rod to pull the sheep’s wool away from its skin to check for rashes, wounds or defects. The Word of God searches our hearts.
(d) It is used to count the sheep. In the terminology of the Old Testament this was referred to as passing “under the rod”. Here the shepherd holds his rod over the sheep and counts each and every sheep that enter by the gate. The Word of God convicts sinners and leads them to the Cross of Christ.
Psalm 23:5
1. Prepare a Table: The word table here is synonymous with feast. It was a “ceremony of preparation for a feast”. We have the ideas that point to Jesus as our gracious host, and disciples were his “guests”. The rituals of hospitality in the Ancient Near East were a very important part of their culture. It means God has provided David with plenty and variety of provisions (food). The enemies see, envy and fret at it but they couldn’t able to hinder it.
2. You Anoint My Head with Oil: Oil is the symbol of gladness. It was customary for the host of a banquet or feast to anoint the honored guests with oil made by adding perfumes to olive oil.
3. My Cup Overflows: It signifies the cup given to the guests by the host or master of the feast. It is not merely ‘full’, it runs over. It refers to a cup, which was a large, hollowed-out stone that could hold forty or fifty gallons and from which the sheep drank.
The Psalmist represents himself as an honored guest of the LORD, who prepares a table for him, hospitably anoints him, and pours out for him such an abundance that his cup overflows”.
Psalm 23:6
1. Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow Me all the Days of My Life: Goodness and mercy are not the merits of man but freely given out of God’s love for His people as long as they are on this earth.
2. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever: It may denote constant attendance on the public worship of God in the sanctuary or it may regard the assurance he had of dwelling in the house not made with hands (Family of God).
Conclusion
The good news is that Jesus Christ is our Shepherd and we are the sheep of His pasture. Anyone who receives Him has the power to become a child of God which entitles him/her to enjoy God’s shepherdly care in life.
Introduction: (a) Primary Passage – Psalm 23:1-6
(b) Additional Passage – John 10:11-13
If you are asked to look back and jot down your relationship with the Lord what would be your story like? The psalmist King David looks back over his life, and sings with grateful heart of God’s love and care. It is the echo of the shepherd-life among the hills of Judah. This psalm breathes the air of youth. But the psalmist is now old. Still, he cleaves to God. It was written by him who was raised from having care of a flock to be the king on Israel’s throne.
Psalm 23:1
1. The Lord is My Shepherd
(a) Sheep: Sheep are dumb and innocent creatures incapable of defending themselves. Unlike dogs or other household animals sheep that falls on their back cannot get up unless someone roles them over and help them stand on their feet. They are dependent creatures that must be guided to food and water and protected from wild animals. In the ancient Middle East sheep were precious symbols of wealth. Their wool provided yarn for clothing; their bodies were preferred for sacrifice.
(b) Shepherd: The Middle Eastern shepherd loved his sheep, gave each one a name, and cared for each one tenderly. Many a shepherd interposed himself between wild beasts and his sheep, and at night the shepherd lay down and slept in the single doorway to his sheepfold. Any enemy would have to pass him to attack his flock. Psalm 23 can be considered as a messianic prophecy about Jesus. Jesus identified Himself as that expected ‘Good Shepherd’ (John 10:11), also called the ‘Great Shepherd’ (Heb. 13:20) and ‘the Chief Shepherd’ (1 Peter 5:4).
2. I shall not Want: Needless to say just like the sheep we also are dumb, incapable of getting what we want and so weak to defending ourselves against the enemies’ schemes. We are fortunate to have God as our Shepherd because He will provide us abundantly.
Psalm 23:2
The shepherd knows exactly where the best feeding grounds are and leads his sheep to those places. Grass and Water (food and drink) are the two basic necessities of life for sheep.
1. He makes Me lie down in Green Pastures: The image of green pastures is of new tender green grass and vegetation. The word for pasture comes from a root word which means “at home, pleasant, beautiful”, giving the idea of a “pleasant place”.
2. He leads Me beside Still Waters: The Hebrew word translated here as “still” more literally means “resting place, i.e., a place where repose and rest from tiredness”.
Psalm 23:3
He Restores My Soul: The word translated here as “soul” more literally means “a breathing creature”, and can be understood as “life”. This is significant in that Jesus’ care for us is not only spiritual but also in our day-to-day physical needs. This phrase summarises and is illustrated by the former two lines. The restoration of our souls is through rest in a pleasant resting place (green pastures, still waters), and through sustenance of both food and drink (grass, water). The rest that Jesus gives frees us from the burden of trying to make ourselves right with God by obeying the law. It is receiving this grace that restores our soul, our entire life.
Most of the problems if not all we face in life are the results of not heeding the Shepherd’s guidance.
Psalm 23:4
1. Though I walk the Valley of the Shadow of Death: The shepherd knows from past experience that predators like coyotes, bears, wolves or cougars can take cover in these broken cliffs and from their vantage point prey on his flock. He knows these valleys can be subject of sudden storms, floods, rockslides, mudslides that would destroy or injure his sheep. But inspite of such hazards he also knows that this is still the best way to take his flock to the high country.
The darkness and death followed David everywhere. His victory over Goliath had won the hearts of people in Israel but Saul envied him so badly that Saul wanted him dead. David actually had to run for his own life before Philistines, his brothers, his close friends.
The phrase “the valley of the shadow of death” encapsulates all those things in this world that are worthy of deep fear such as sickness, murder, rape, war, starvation, invasion, climate change, child abuse, etc.
2. Your Rod and Your Staff – They Comfort Me: God knows that we will face many great evils in our lives. The Psalmist records how the Lord’s rod and staff (referring to a single instrument) comfort him in those situations.
The rod is the Word of God: (a) In addition to being a symbol of the shepherd’s authority over the sheep, it is to fight off animals that usually seek to prey upon the sheep. God’s Word is a symbol of authority over His sheep. His word helps us to resist temptations.
(b) The crook part of the staff is used to gently seize the sheep that tend to run away by its legs or neck and add them back to the flock. The rod is used for keeping the sheep on the right track. The Word of God prevents us from making wrong decisions.
(c) It is used to examine the sheep. The shepherd uses the rod to pull the sheep’s wool away from its skin to check for rashes, wounds or defects. The Word of God searches our hearts.
(d) It is used to count the sheep. In the terminology of the Old Testament this was referred to as passing “under the rod”. Here the shepherd holds his rod over the sheep and counts each and every sheep that enter by the gate. The Word of God convicts sinners and leads them to the Cross of Christ.
Psalm 23:5
1. Prepare a Table: The word table here is synonymous with feast. It was a “ceremony of preparation for a feast”. We have the ideas that point to Jesus as our gracious host, and disciples were his “guests”. The rituals of hospitality in the Ancient Near East were a very important part of their culture. It means God has provided David with plenty and variety of provisions (food). The enemies see, envy and fret at it but they couldn’t able to hinder it.
2. You Anoint My Head with Oil: Oil is the symbol of gladness. It was customary for the host of a banquet or feast to anoint the honored guests with oil made by adding perfumes to olive oil.
3. My Cup Overflows: It signifies the cup given to the guests by the host or master of the feast. It is not merely ‘full’, it runs over. It refers to a cup, which was a large, hollowed-out stone that could hold forty or fifty gallons and from which the sheep drank.
The Psalmist represents himself as an honored guest of the LORD, who prepares a table for him, hospitably anoints him, and pours out for him such an abundance that his cup overflows”.
Psalm 23:6
1. Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow Me all the Days of My Life: Goodness and mercy are not the merits of man but freely given out of God’s love for His people as long as they are on this earth.
2. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever: It may denote constant attendance on the public worship of God in the sanctuary or it may regard the assurance he had of dwelling in the house not made with hands (Family of God).
Conclusion
The good news is that Jesus Christ is our Shepherd and we are the sheep of His pasture. Anyone who receives Him has the power to become a child of God which entitles him/her to enjoy God’s shepherdly care in life.
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