[ ] 6/3/2008 #744
SHEPHERD OF THE SHEEP
Psalms 23:1-6
INTRODUCTION: David was a shepherd boy who took care of his father's sheep. He understood the needs of sheep and the importance of a good shepherd. David knew the Lord as his Shepherd. He had confidence that the Lord would take care of him in life and in death. Jesus is “the Shepherd and Bishop” of those who are saved. (1 Peter 2:25)
I. LORD OF THE SHEEP
A. GOOD SHEPHERD.
1. Good Shepherd gave His life for the sheep. John 10:11
“I am the good Shepherd; the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.”
2. Good Shepherd gives life to the sheep. John 10:27-29
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
B. GREAT SHEPHERD.
Shepherds would sometimes lose their lives protecting their sheep. Jesus gave His life for His sheep. In Hebrews 13:20, Jesus is the “Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.” He is the Great Shepherd because He arose from the dead securing eternal salvation for His sheep. Jesus is the Everlasting Shepherd to His sheep. Now it can be said, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us?” (Romans 8:34)
C. CHIEF SHEPHERD.
“And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (1 Peter 5:4) As the Chief Shepherd, Jesus will reward His sheep.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Cor. 5:10)
II. LIFE OF THE SHEEP
A. LIFE OF CONTENTMENT. vv. 1-3
B. LIFE OF COMFORT. v. 4
1.Comforted by the Lord’s peace. ("I will fear no evil")
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
2. Comforted by the Lord’s presence. ("Thou art with me")
“For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death.”
(Ps. 48:14)
Jesus promised that we can have another “Comforter, that He may abide with you forever.” (John 14:16)
Beneath me: green pastures;
Beside me: still waters;
Before me: a table;
Behind me: goodness and mercy;
Beyond me: the Father's house
And with me all the while:
the Shepherd
C. LIFE OF CONFIDENCE. v. 6
The Lord has promised me that He would never leave me, nor forsake me.
(Heb 13:5)
He will lead me to“the green pastures, and the still waters.”He will walk with me “through the valley of death.” He will be with me“in the presence of mine enemies.” I know when this life is over “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” because He is preparing it for me in glory.
“. . . for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” (2 Tim. 1:12)
God hath prepared a glorious Home above
Round His throne, for His own,
Where they rest forever in His love,
Toil and tears all unknown.
There they shall sing eternal praise
To Him who saved them by His grace.
Through heaven's courts the song shall swell,
All is well, All is well!
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
1. David had learned as a young boy to trust the Lord. The Bible gives evidence of the faith David had in his God. We must walk with the Lord daily, trusting Him as our Lord and Savior.
2. Few people have contentment and satisfaction in this life. They look to this world for pleasure and fulfillment. Only Jesus can give life meaning. We can have His peace and contentment if we follow Him as the Shepherd of our souls.
3. We can face death in full assurance if we have faithfully followed the Great Shepherd.