Part 3 of 3: ‘The Perfecter’

Introduction: V In Part 2 we saw how the Lord Jesus our as our Good Shepherd graciously protects His sheep as the shepherd. V Recap of the main points from Part 2 of 3: 1. Living in the Midst of Danger 2. The Shepherd as Protector 3. The Shepherd’s Rod & Staff

V This 3 week series will cover Psalm 23 as following: a) Provider (Psalm 23:1-3) b) Protector (Psalm 23:4) c) Perfecter (Psalm 23:5-6)

Illustration: The Rabbit & The Tortoise

Part 3 of 3: ‘The Perfecter’

1. From The Valley to The Table: Psalm 23:5 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. V The ‘sheep’ having walked through the valley of the shadow of death is now seated at the table.

V We find that the enemies are still present but however they have now become spectators. V The ‘sheep’ now enjoy the providences and protection as they enjoyed at the beginning.

2 Samuel 9:13 13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate at the king’s table regularly. Now he was lame in both feet. (Read also 2 Samuel 9:1-13) V Mephibosheth, who was the grandson of Saul & the Jonathan’s son receives grace. V Rather than being killed he is cared for by King David.

V This thus gives us better understanding of this promise. V However this is also a promise foreshadowing a future event – the wedding banquet in heaven. Revelation 19:7-9 9 Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” (Read also Luke 14:15-24)

2. The Shepherd as Perfecter:   Psalm 23:6 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. V The last verse needs to be seen in the context of the locations in the Psalm:

v. 2 - pastures (meadow) & waters (river) v. 3 - paths of righteousness (road) v. 4 - valley of shadow of death (valley) v. 5 - prepare a table (table) v. 6 - house of the Lord (temple/Heaven) 

V The journey began in an uncertain location and goes through the road that passes through the valley & eventually ends in God’s house. V Here we discover that when the Lord is our Shepherd, the journey of life will not always be smooth sailing or a bed of roses for all of us.

Philippians 1:6 6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. V But we can assured that the Lord our Shepherd will finish what He starts. V He has begun His work of salvation in us and has called us to live for Him. V Whatever challenges we face in the journey even doubt seems to overpower us but God will help us to finish.

V This Scripture is usually found on many Christian tombstones: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

V The Lord as the Good Shepherd is faithful not only to call us but to also guide us to the end as the Perfecter. V The question remains whether we are ready to walk faithfully with Him. V We must be able to look back at the end of our lives with confidence as we trust the Lord to help us complete the race that is set before us.

Conclusion:   1. From The Valley to The Table 2. The Shepherd as Perfecter

Questions for Personal Reflection:   1. How did you begin Your Christian life and how are you now? 2. How you plan to finish your journey on earth before we stand in judgment?

Recap of 3 Parts: Psalm 23 as following: a) Provider (Psalm 23:1-3) b) Protector (Psalm 23:4) c) Perfecter (Psalm 23:5-6)

Part 3 of 3: ‘The Perfecter’