Part 2 of 3: ‘The Protector’

Introduction: V In Part 1 we saw how the Lord Jesus our as our Good Shepherd provides as a shepherd provides for his sheep. V Recap of the main points from Part 1 of 3: 1. God as Shepherd 2. We are His Sheep 3. The Shepherd as Provider

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

Part 2 of 3: ‘The Protector’

What is the most deadliest creature Trivia Question: What is the most deadliest creature on planet earth today?

1. Living in the Midst of Danger: Psalm 23:4 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. V The shepherd’s desire is always to guide his sheep in ‘paths of righteousness’. V However in this instance we find the sheep walking into dangerous zone.

Psalm 119:176 (Read Isaiah 53:6) I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments.   V Most of the time we find ourselves in ‘dangerous zone’ or trouble because of our own selfish acts or foolishness rather than because we obeyed God. V However this is because each one of us desires to be ‘little Gods’ to live life our own way.

Acts 20:29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; V Paul warns the leaders in Ephesus about the impending danger. V The dangers of life are the real evil to all of us & is around us. V How can we face or be prepared to face these dangers of life. 

2. The Shepherd as Protector:   Psalm 23:4 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. V The Shepherd’s desire and duty is to always protect the sheep from every harm. V We find this evident in David’s life while he was a young shepherd boy.

1 Samuel 17:34-37 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him.

V Here we discover the heart, passion and the commitment of the shepherd who is willing to risk danger and even put his life on the line to save his sheep. V Our Lord Jesus taught us the clear difference between the Good Shepherd & the hired hands as we see below:

John 10:12-13 12 He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep.  V The character of the hired hands are as below: a) They are not ‘real’ caring shepherds b) They are not owners of the sheep c) They flee when they see danger coming d) They are not concerned with the sheep e) They care for themselves only (Ezekiel 34:2)

John 10:11, 14 11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep… 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, V The Good Shepherd is the exact opposite: a) He is a Good Shepherd to His sheep b) He lays down his life for His sheep c) He knows His sheep personally. d) His sheep also know their shepherd.  V The Good Shepherd protects his sheep sacrificially & protects because He loves & cares for His sheep.

3. The Shepherd’s Rod & Staff   Psalm 23:4 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. V The shepherd’s tools - the rod & the staff - are both crucial for his duties as a shepherd.

V The rod is used to fight against wild animals. V The staff is used to save the sheep in danger. V The two tools shows us a shepherd who protects and also comforts His beloved sheep.

Conclusion:   1. Living in the Midst of Danger 2. The Shepherd as Protector 3. The Shepherd’s Rod & Staff

1. What are some real dangers which you fear today? Questions for Personal Reflection: 1. What are some real dangers which you fear today? 2. How can you put your trust in the Good Shepherd's to protect you today?

Part 2 of 3: ‘The Protector’