1. Psalm 23 In a previous lesson, we talked about “Good Shepherds and Good Sheep” from John 10. It was a lesson on what it takes to be good leaders and what it takes to good at being led. Obviously, Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” and as such, serves as the perfect example. But Jesus also serves as the supreme example of being led also, as Phil.2:5-8 indicates. All of which got me to thinking about an earlier Shepherd – Sheep passage,

2. Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the 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 Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou dost prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely good and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

3. Psalm 23 Children have learned and recited this passage for generations. Do we, as adults, really understand what it means? Do we revisit it with more mature comprehension and appreciation? While this lesson will not be an in-depth study of this great text, it is hoped that even a cursory treatment will allow us to love it even more because we understand it more fully.

4. Psalm 23 When David wrote “The Lord is my Shepherd” we should comprehend:  Relationship- Is He your Shepherd? Rom.10:9-10, Is He your “Lord”- Ruler, Master, Guide, Authority? When David wrote “I shall not want” we should understand:  Supply- Is He your Source of sustenance? John 6:31-35

5. Psalm 23 When David wrote “He makes me lie down in green pastures” we should comprehend:  Rest- Are you worried and tired? Phil.4:6-7, Here is your stress relief! When David wrote “He leads me beside quiet waters” we should understand:  Refreshment/Replenishment- Is He your Living Water? John 4:5-14 > 39-41

6. Psalm 23 When David wrote “He restores my soul” we should think:  Spiritual Healing- Sin separates us from God and causes death, Isa.59:1-2; Rom.6:23, but the Shepherd saves, Col.2:12-13! When David wrote “He guides me in the paths of righteousness” we should understand:  Guidance- Life is terribly confusing without it, 2Pet.1:3.

7. Psalm 23 When David wrote “For His name’s sake” we should think:  Purpose- Christ is our Spiritual Husband, so we wear and work for His name, Eph.5:23-32; Gen.2:18. When David wrote “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” understand:  Testing- We all face various tests and trials, but facing your mortality is “big”! 1Pet.3:12-13; Rev.2:10

8. Psalm 23 When David wrote “I fear no evil” we should comprehend:  Protection- Christ, the Good Shepherd, protects His sheep, Jn.10:11-15; Mt.10:26ff. When David wrote “for Thou are with me” know:  God’s Faithfulness- He will never leave you alone or unprotected, Matt.28:20 > 1Cor.10:13

9. Psalm 23 When David wrote “Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me” we should realize:  Discipline- But discipline isn’t a bad thing- it should reassure us! Heb.12:5-11. When David wrote “Thou dost prepare a table in the presence of my enemies” comprehend:  Provision- Cp. Psalm 78:17-19 when faithless Israel doubted God’s ability. And what happened? vv.20-25

10. Psalm 23 When David wrote “Thou hast anointed my head with oil” we should understand:  Healing & Consecration- Oil was both medicine and appointment. 1Cor.6:11 When David wrote “My cup overflows” comprehend:  Abundance- It was Jesus’ purpose as the door of the sheep to provide abundant life, John 10:7-10.

11. Psalm 23 When David wrote “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life” we should know:  The Blessing(s) of God- Physical, Matt.6:33 Spiritual, Rom.4:7-8; Gal.3:13-14 When David wrote “and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” comprehend:  Eternal Security- If we dwell with God, we too are secure forevermore! Rom.8:31-39

12. Psalm 23 Conclusion:  Is the Lord Your Shepherd?  He is able if you are willing.  Will you put Him on in baptism? Gal.3:26-29  All of these blessing and benefits don’t just happen. David was willing to “dwell in the house of the Lord.” Are you ready and willing to do the same?