THE GREAT SHEPHERD

PSALM 23

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

As we recently saw Psalm 22 presents Christ as The Good Shepherd. A truth also taught in John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. Psalm 24 presents Christ as The Chief Shepherd. The New Testament clearly repeats that doctrine in 1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

 

But now we look at Psalm 23 where Christ is presented as The Great Shepherd. Once again there is a clear New Testament reference to this in Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Even though the 23rd Psalm is one of the most quoted and well known chapters in the Scriptures it is relatively mis-quoted and unknown by the majority of people in the world, even those that claim it. That is it beautiful is undeniable, that it is universal is untenable. It is the proper confession of a saved individual. A lost person has no right to claim it though he should desire it. When you can claim it, what are you saying?

 

I. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO OTHERS? [v. 1-3]

 

1. A word of testimony- I am trusting Him and He is mine [v. 1]

 

2. A word of trust- I am depending on Him and He will provide [v. 1b-2]

 

More is implied than is expressed, not only, I shall not want, but "I shall be supplied with whatever I need; and if I have not everything I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me, or I shall have it in due time". -Matthew Henry

 

3. A word of transference- I am in Him and He will guide me [v. 3]

 

II. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO GOD? [v. 4-5]

 

1. Wherever you lead I'll go [v. 4a] [destination]

 

2. Whatever you say I'll trust [v. 4b] [direction]

 

3. Whatever you give I'll take [v.5] [devotion]

 

III. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO YOURSELF? [v. 6]

 

1. God is good [Mark 10:18 ... there is none good but one, that is, God.]

 

2. God is merciful [Ps. 62:12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy...] v.6 note the duration

 

3. God is forever gracious [Eph. 1:7, 2:7]

 

How unlike the world's philosophy, "Life stinks, and then you die."

 

Note the comforting words... walk...shadow...with me... comfort me...will dwell