Psalm 23:1-6
Introduction
-Popular verses (John 3:16, Genesis 1:1)
Psalm 23:1 is most downloaded verse in Bible. Also read at funerals.
v. 1
“My” – Personal God
“Shepherd” – Leader to a flock of sheep (us)
Sheep are defenseless animals that tend to get lost. Shepherd walked in front and called them rather then driving them like cattle.
John 10:11-18 = Jesus is the shepherd
“I shall not be in want” – We have all we need
Primary needs of sheep: food, water, rest, a leader
Q: Why is it so difficult for us to realize that God provides? (desire, temptation, societal pressure, status, greed)
Matthew 6:25-34
v.2-3a
“green pastures” and “quiet waters” – exactly what sheep need. And the Shepherd “makes me lie down” and “leads me”.
“restore” or “renew” – see Matthew 11:28-29
v. 3b
We represent God to the world. Path is narrow but to stray is to dishonor the name of God. Too many non-believers find justification by the actions of believers. We are to follow him down the path.
-Romans 5:8 - Christ did not wait for us to change before dying for us. He lets us call on him despite dragging his name in the mud. He proved his love for us, now we prove our love for him (John 14:23) Jesus is both our Lord and Savior.
v. 4
-Dangers lie in wait for the sheep but “you are with me”; Immanuel = “God with us” – Matthew 1:23. Think walking beside the sheep rather then in front.
-A dark valley might be the right path (v.3)
Q: How would you respond when someone asks you why you are not comforted by God when facing danger? (The story was about a terminal cancer victim who was scared despite her hope in salvation. Answers included: could be fearing the events surrounding the cancer; no one knows what it would be like to face true mortal danger until it has already happened; God created us with a desire to live)
v.5
several metaphors: sheep have food spread out (table) in front of them; David eating in front of enemies/assassins; George Bush eating in front of terrorists
Who would actually prepare us a table?
v. 6
God will bless us (“cup overflows”) whether we realize it at the time or not. David has faith in heaven, a concept not spoken of nearly as much in the OT as the NT.
Old Covenant: Sheep died for the Shepherd
New Covenant: Shepherd dies for the Sheep
BUT…Rev. 7:17.
