The Lord is My Shepherd Psalm 23

Introduction One of the best known Psalms Life of a sheep with a shepherd compared to life of a believer with God

“The Lord is my shepherd” That makes us sheep, not ‘junior shepherds’ The shepherd’s duties are explained in the rest of the psalm But the sheep’s ‘duty’ is to follow the shepherd –Before that happens, the sheep have to know their shepherd Sheep recognize the voice (authority) of the shepherd –There is no room for divided loyalties

“I shall not want” A declaration of complete trust –The sheep has complete confidence in the shepherd –The sheep won’t be second guessing the shepherd as to what is best –The shepherd is responsible for the needs of the sheep It’s a huge responsibility, but our Lord is up to the task –We will have no spiritual needs unmet

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures” Sheep can’t find pasturage on their own Sheep won’t change pasturage on their own –Sheep can starve to death within a short distance from a green field But we know our shepherd will always take us to the best fields –We will have all the spiritual food needed for a lifetime

“He leads me beside the still waters” Sheep don’t swim –Sheep can’t right themselves if turned over in water –Sheep prefer safe, calm waters Our Lord won’t let us get in over our heads –If we follow Him, He’ll guide us in the ways that are best for us

“He restores my soul” The shepherd won’t let one of his sheep disappear –If lost, he’ll find us –If taken, he’ll come after us God won’t let His children just disappear –He wants all to be saved –He sent His Son to give us a way back

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” The shepherd knows which paths are best –If he chooses the wrong path, it would be a mark against him personally –The shepherd leads … in front God knows which way we should go in life –If He led us wrong, it would be a mark against His holiness –We can safely follow His lead without worry about going wrong

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil” Sheep follow their shepherd anywhere We can trust the Lord –Even when danger is all around –Even when death seems imminent –Why? The rest of the verse

“For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” The shepherd – complete faith and trust in the one who guides Rod – a weapon, about 3’ long –Used to fight off wild animals Staff – about 8’ – 10’ long –Used to test waters, guide sheep around dangerous areas, etc –Crook used to lift fallen sheep from crevices, etc

“For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” If we face dangers from outside –God is there to protect us If we stumble and fall –God is there to lift us up Our shepherd is with us, there is nothing to fear His strength and compassion both should give us comfort

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies Sheep don’t know to avoid poisonous plants, brambles, etc –The shepherd has to go first and “prepare the table” We don’t always know what is right for us –If we follow our Lord, we know there won’t be danger Danger comes when we “go it alone”

“You anoint my head with oil” Shepherd would pour oil on each sheep’s head –Oil acts as antiseptic for cuts, scrapes –Oil cools head, preventing sunstroke Our Lord cares about even our minor struggles –He provides the healing

Before enclosing the sheep for the night –Shepherd will give each sheep a full cup of water When we are weary, He revives us –His care for us is unceasing “My cup runs over”

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” Why would a sheep ever want to leave such wonderful care? –They wouldn’t Why would we ever want to leave such a wonderful and caring Lord? –Perhaps we aren’t as smart as sheep

Conclusion We have a wonderful Shepherd –He wants what is best for you –He has provided a way to save you –He will always care for you Won’t you come to Him?