Jesus the Glorious Shepherd

Note: this is based on a sermon that I heard about two years ago. I was reading through my old notes and found this one, and thought I'd share it. Aren't you pleased? :D

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Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

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.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Henry Ward Beecher, speaking of Psalm 23, said,

“It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world.”

We worry about everything going on in the world – we worry about money, politics, personal life, work, education, etc. We worry all the time. We are immersed in a world of worry.

Psalm 23 is an antidote to worry.

David had plenty of worry in his life. In war, in the valley, in his family turning against him – David knows what tears are like. He shed many. He knew sorrow and agony and despair.

He knew what it was to soar on eagle’s wings, and he knew what it was to fake insanity to escape death at the hands of the Philistines.

Yet David says this: Because Yahweh is my Shepherd, I SHALL NOT WANT.

God takes responsibility for us. The shepherd is responsible, ACCOUNTABLE, for every single sheep. We’re not in charge or in control – God owns our lives. Therefore He is responsible for our lives! Why should we worry? It’s NOT OUR WORRY!

God Himself meets our needs. Not our wants, our needs.

“The Lord is my shepherd.” That’s all David had to say, really.

The Shepherd is in charge. So why do we worry? Why do we fret? He is our glorious shepherd.

David is trusting in God alone. He’s not just saying it – he knows it personally.

Lord – the “Lord” mentioned in Psalm 23 is referring to Jesus. Look at Exodus 3: “I am that I am.” Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.”

1) Jesus Provides for Me. (Psalm 23:1)

Just as a husband is primarily responsible for caring for the home, God is responsible for us! God shows us love and devotion – He is our provider. He will provide. He is duty bound to do so.

Sometimes we’re selfish and have a “gimme” attitude in our prayers. God will provide, but sometimes He holds back. It’s all in His time. He solves all our “problems”.

Jesus says “I lay down my life for the sheep.” He has come to save a people unto Himself. He provides everything we need.

Jesus provides.

2) Jesus Directs Me. (Psalm 23:2-3)

He feeds us and guides us. How? He guides us through the Word, and feeds us through the Word. The Word is given through the Spirit. He leads us in paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake.

Paths of righteousness are not easy paths. Think of Daniel – he refused to compromise. Paths of righteousness lead to lions. Think of Esther – she went into the throne room of Artaxerxes. Her life was on the line.

Think of Jesus! – He could have become the famous celebrity leader – but He refused to compromise. Paths of righteousness lead to the cross.

Paths of righteousness come at a cost, but our shepherd leads us. He continues to lead us. He will always lead us! Lean upon your Shepherd. He is in control.

3) Jesus Protects Me. (Psalm 23:4)

The shepherd is responsible to protect the sheep. Jesus is faithful. Our Shepherd is well-equipped.

David had to run for his life. Saul was out to destroy him. David went through many valleys in his life.

The valley of despair – Saul’s jealousy.

The valley of guilt and regret – for Uriah.

The valley of sorrow and grief – for the loss of his child.

Yet God has everything under control. David knew that. How do we react to the valleys in our own lives? With Christ, we CAN face them calmly and fearlessly.

4) Jesus Blesses Me. (Psalm 23:5-6)

“My cup overflows.” As His people, we have table fellowship with God, anointing of the head; we are set apart for blessing. The Shepherd ensures that the sheep are blessed under his care.

We are blessed under Jesus. God guides us to the springs of living water, and wipes the tears from our eyes. ~ If God has so blessed us, we should pass the blessing on. ~

Who are you following? KNOW THE SHEPHERD.

What paths do you take? FOLLOW HIM.

Know He loves you sacrificially and eternally.

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He Provides – Trust Him!

He Directs – Trust and Obey!

He Protects – Believe Him!

He Blesses – Praise Him!