Preacher: Jeremy Herbert

Text: Psalm 23

Theme: The Great Shepherd

Notes:

God called David, a shepherd, to reflect the Great Shepherd, and shepherd God’s people

We often remember David’s great victories: defeating Goliath, conquering the Philistines, capturing Jerusalem

Yet David had many great tragedies

* He spent years on the run as his king tried to murder him

* three of his sons died–all under tragic circumstances

 

Psalm 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd”

* God’s Exaltation

* The LORD: there is a God, and He is the Creator of the universe

* My shepherd: This God is my shepherd

* He watches over me

* He meets my needs

* Not necessarily our wants

* “I shall not want”, meaning, “I shall not lack”

* Will this God be there for you in your worst moments?

* Will he sustain you through pain and loss?

* This psalm affirms that this God that provided for David will provide for you

* Would it help to worry?

* Matthew 6:25-34

 

2. David’s Expectation

* Because of who God is (past & present), He will provide for me  (future)

* “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;”

* “your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

* The shepherd is armed with the tools to defend the sheep against enemies without–and to save us from our own foolishness as well

* The psalm marks God’s many provisions:

* You prepare a table before me

* You anoint my head with oil;

* David’s expectation is rooted in relationship with God

* “You are with me;”

* God’s goodness and mercy are absolutely unfailing–regardless of whether we deserve it (we don’t)

* God not only is good and merciful–but he delights to do so