Psalm
23
This is
one of the most well known parts of the Bible. Even people who know nothing of
the Bible know this Psalm. It is read in time of distress and need, it’s read
at funerals. Yet there things we generally miss when looking at it.
Shepherding
was important to Israel and of God revealed things by talking about
shepherds. Some of the great passages
about them are; Isaiah 40:11, Ezek 34:1-31 and John 10:1-18. The angels of
heaven are sent to shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus and not to
kings.
1. the
Lord is my shepherd
A. it is the writer not God who
states this
B. My shepherd,
a. a choice has been
made to be one of Gods sheep
b. there are other
shepherds that people follow
c. political parties, TV
and radio personalities, the stock market
d. famous personalities,
philosophy, science, even family
e. whatever you follow
is your shepherd.
2. I
shall not be in want
A. a statement of trust and a
statement of acceptance
B. Not only will God provide all I
need but what God provides is all I need
C. Paul tells us in Phil 4:11-12
3. He
makes me
A. a statement of submission to God
B. follow through green pastures,
beside quite waters, in righteousness
C. through the valley of the shadow
of death
D. prepare a table in the presence
of my enemies
E. you are with me
F. Matthew 1:20 “Immanuel, God with us.”
4. the
rod and staff
a. Tools used to lead and guide.
b. comfort in the discipline of God.
Because
of this relationship, choosing to be God’s sheep, goodness and mercy will
follow you and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. But it all starts with choosing who your
shepherd will be. Whatever you follow in life, whatever you base your decisions
on, that is your shepherd. We are all sheep the only question is who will your
shepherd be?
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