“THE SHEPHERD’S CROOK”
Psalm 23:1-6
Psalm 23, the first Psalm we learn as children becomes the last word we lean on in that dark valley of called death.
Psalm 23 yields 3 choice secrets of a believer’s life:
1. The secret of happiness in life
2. The secret of peacefulness in death
3. The secret of security in eternity
Before We Look At Psalm 23 I Want To Remind You Of Three Things:
1. God The Father Is The Author – the originator of all that exists. It was in His mind, first, that all took shape.
2. God the Son, Our Saviour, Is The Artisan – the artist, the Creator of all that exists. He brought into being all that had been originally formulated in the Father’s Mind.
3. God the Holy Spirit, Is The Agent who presents these facts to both our minds and our spiritual understanding so that they become real to us.
PSALM 23 – is more about life and living than it is about death and dying.
PSALM 23 – has been labeled “The Pearl of the Psalms.”
PSALM 23 – has the perfumed fragrance of perpetual peace and contentment.
PSALM 23 – is a beautiful harp with six strings that has been tuned for thousands of years and for an eternity to come.
PSALM 23 – has been found on the lips of the dying before entering into eternity.
BUT I WANT US TO RECOGNIZE THAT PSALM 23 IS MORE ABOUT LIFE AND LIVING THAN IT IS ABOUT DEATH AND DYING.
If we give a roll call of words found in the dictionary:
· We would not find the word doubt
· We would not find the word fear
· We would not find the word worry
But if we give a roll call of the words found in the dictionary of our faith:
· We would find the word Confidence
· We would find the word Faith
· We would find the word Joy
· We would find the world Love
· We would find the word Peace
· We would find the word Rest
WHEN WE COMPARE PSALM 22, 23 AND 24 TOGETHER WE DISCOVER:
· Psalm 22 – is about yesterday. The Good Shepherd dying for us
· Psalm 24 – is about tomorrow. The Chief Shepherd coming for us
· BUT PSALM 23 – is about today. The Shepherd daily caring for us.
Many things we might want to know about Psalm 23 is buried under the debris of history. But we still have enough to bless our souls and give us strength for the journey
The truths found in Psalm 23 fill our days with sunshine and sparkles like the stars of heaven in the black velvet of the night.
WHILE PEOPLE OF ALL AGES LOVE PSALM 23, IT'S MESSAGE IS FOR MATURE CHRISTIANS WHO HAVE FOUGHT THE BATTLES AND CARRIED THE BURDENS.
AT THE SAME TIME YOUNG CHRISTIANS CAN LEARN FROM THIS PSALM THAT THE LORD WILL MEET OUR EVERY NEED, NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE.
I. NOTE THE PERSON OF THE SHEPHERD.
Ps. 23:1a: “The Lord Is My Shepherd.”
“The Lord Is.”
Take a deep breath and speak slowly: “The Lord Is.”
In the Hebrew language the word “Lord” is mentioned first in this verse for emphasis.
“LORD” – is “Yahweh” or “Jehovah.”
“LORD” – carries the idea of timelessness and self-sufficiency.
God needs nothing; has no need for wisdom or power because He already has them.
DAVID SAID: “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD.”
Christianity is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
THINK ABOUT IT FOR A MOMENT:
GOD – opened a virgin womb and gave us the Good Shepherd – John 10:11
GOD – opened a virgin tomb and gave us the Great Shepherd – Hebrews 13:20
GOD – will open a virgin sky and give us the Chief Shepherd – I Peter 5:4.
THE LORD JESUS IS OUR SHEPHERD.
HE FINDS US – in religion, men seek God. In Christianity God seeks me. He finds us.
HE FOALS US – He gives us life. We are born again through the Holy Spirit and the Holy Word of God.
HE FEEDS US – He leads us to green pastures. She supplies our needs. In Biblical history the shepherd had a demanding job 24/7. Our Lord is never off and is on the job every moment of every day.
HE FORGOES US – He leads us, never drives us like cattle.
HE FONDLES US WITH GENTLE LOVE – He picks us up when we need love and encouragement.
HE FLAILS US – sometimes He has to chasten us when we have been disobedient.
HE WILL FOLD US – We are in HIS Fold - (To envelop or clasp) He never leaves us. We are His temple and His Spirit lives within us.
II. WE NOTICE THE PLEASURE OF THE SHEEP.
Psalm 23:1b: “I Shall Not Want.”
Jesus Provides For Our Salvation.
John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Jesus Provides For Our Supplies.
Phil. 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Jesus Provides For Our Security.
Heb. 13:5: Jesus Said: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
III. THEN, WE NOTICE THE PEACE THE SHEPHERD GIVES.
PSALM 23:2: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”
Sheep need to lie down before their food will properly digest.
SHEEP NEED FOUR REQUIREMENTS MET BEFORE THEY WILL LIE DOWN.
1. Sheep Need To Be Free From Panic And Peril.
If we are afraid or worried about family, friends, finances, feelings or the future, we will not rest.
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7).
2. Sheep Need To Be Free From Problems With Other Sheep.
Sheep will not rest well if there is conflict in the flock.
Christians do not rest well when there is conflict in the church or family of God.
3. Sheep Need To Be Free From Parasites.
Sheep need to be free from flies.
Christians need to be free from bad, sinful habits that drain our spiritual strength if we are to be healthy.
4. Sheep Need To Be Free From The Pangs Of Hunger.
Sheep will not lie down if they are hungry.
Christians need to be fed spiritual food in personal Bible reading and fed spiritual food in times of public worship.
ILLUSTRATION.
Do you know why the great songs of the faith speak to your heart so vividly and strongly? Because you know it is from the Word of God.
If you can’t get as excited about the Sermon From God’s Word, as you get excited about a special song, something is wrong.
ILLUSTRATION:
Sometimes a shepherd would temporarily dam up a stream so the sheep would drink and quench their thirst. Sheep will not drink from fast-flowing water.
IV. THEN, WE NOTE THE PATCHING MINISTRY OF THE SHEPHERD.
PS. 23:3: “He restoreth my soul.’
From time to time we need to come to the Saviour and say to Him, “Lord, I have sinned, I have messed things up, I have made some terrible mistakes.” I Need You To Restore Me. I Need You To Patch Me Up And Make Me Whole Again.
V. WE NEED TO ALLOW THE SHEPHERD TO BE OUR PILOT IN LIFE.
PS. 23:3B: “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
PATHS – is plural. So we know there is more than one path.
BUT – God has a path for you and He individualizes it just for you.
PROV. 3:6: “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
ILLUSTRATION.
When sheep start exploring new paths they often get into trouble. God wants us to stay on the right path “not be carried about by varied and strange teachings” (Heb. 13:9).
VI. WE NEED THE PRESENCE AND PROTECTION OF THE SHEPHERD.
PS. 23:4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
LIFE CAUSES US TO WALK INTO VALLEYS.
JESUS HELPS US TO WALK THROUGH THE VALLEYS OF LIFE.
SHEEP CAN ONLY SEE ABOUT 14 FEET AHEAD.
Psalm 23:1-6
Psalm 23, the first Psalm we learn as children becomes the last word we lean on in that dark valley of called death.
Psalm 23 yields 3 choice secrets of a believer’s life:
1. The secret of happiness in life
2. The secret of peacefulness in death
3. The secret of security in eternity
Before We Look At Psalm 23 I Want To Remind You Of Three Things:
1. God The Father Is The Author – the originator of all that exists. It was in His mind, first, that all took shape.
2. God the Son, Our Saviour, Is The Artisan – the artist, the Creator of all that exists. He brought into being all that had been originally formulated in the Father’s Mind.
3. God the Holy Spirit, Is The Agent who presents these facts to both our minds and our spiritual understanding so that they become real to us.
PSALM 23 – is more about life and living than it is about death and dying.
PSALM 23 – has been labeled “The Pearl of the Psalms.”
PSALM 23 – has the perfumed fragrance of perpetual peace and contentment.
PSALM 23 – is a beautiful harp with six strings that has been tuned for thousands of years and for an eternity to come.
PSALM 23 – has been found on the lips of the dying before entering into eternity.
BUT I WANT US TO RECOGNIZE THAT PSALM 23 IS MORE ABOUT LIFE AND LIVING THAN IT IS ABOUT DEATH AND DYING.
If we give a roll call of words found in the dictionary:
· We would not find the word doubt
· We would not find the word fear
· We would not find the word worry
But if we give a roll call of the words found in the dictionary of our faith:
· We would find the word Confidence
· We would find the word Faith
· We would find the word Joy
· We would find the world Love
· We would find the word Peace
· We would find the word Rest
WHEN WE COMPARE PSALM 22, 23 AND 24 TOGETHER WE DISCOVER:
· Psalm 22 – is about yesterday. The Good Shepherd dying for us
· Psalm 24 – is about tomorrow. The Chief Shepherd coming for us
· BUT PSALM 23 – is about today. The Shepherd daily caring for us.
Many things we might want to know about Psalm 23 is buried under the debris of history. But we still have enough to bless our souls and give us strength for the journey
The truths found in Psalm 23 fill our days with sunshine and sparkles like the stars of heaven in the black velvet of the night.
WHILE PEOPLE OF ALL AGES LOVE PSALM 23, IT'S MESSAGE IS FOR MATURE CHRISTIANS WHO HAVE FOUGHT THE BATTLES AND CARRIED THE BURDENS.
AT THE SAME TIME YOUNG CHRISTIANS CAN LEARN FROM THIS PSALM THAT THE LORD WILL MEET OUR EVERY NEED, NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE.
I. NOTE THE PERSON OF THE SHEPHERD.
Ps. 23:1a: “The Lord Is My Shepherd.”
“The Lord Is.”
Take a deep breath and speak slowly: “The Lord Is.”
In the Hebrew language the word “Lord” is mentioned first in this verse for emphasis.
“LORD” – is “Yahweh” or “Jehovah.”
“LORD” – carries the idea of timelessness and self-sufficiency.
God needs nothing; has no need for wisdom or power because He already has them.
DAVID SAID: “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD.”
Christianity is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
THINK ABOUT IT FOR A MOMENT:
GOD – opened a virgin womb and gave us the Good Shepherd – John 10:11
GOD – opened a virgin tomb and gave us the Great Shepherd – Hebrews 13:20
GOD – will open a virgin sky and give us the Chief Shepherd – I Peter 5:4.
THE LORD JESUS IS OUR SHEPHERD.
HE FINDS US – in religion, men seek God. In Christianity God seeks me. He finds us.
HE FOALS US – He gives us life. We are born again through the Holy Spirit and the Holy Word of God.
HE FEEDS US – He leads us to green pastures. She supplies our needs. In Biblical history the shepherd had a demanding job 24/7. Our Lord is never off and is on the job every moment of every day.
HE FORGOES US – He leads us, never drives us like cattle.
HE FONDLES US WITH GENTLE LOVE – He picks us up when we need love and encouragement.
HE FLAILS US – sometimes He has to chasten us when we have been disobedient.
HE WILL FOLD US – We are in HIS Fold - (To envelop or clasp) He never leaves us. We are His temple and His Spirit lives within us.
II. WE NOTICE THE PLEASURE OF THE SHEEP.
Psalm 23:1b: “I Shall Not Want.”
Jesus Provides For Our Salvation.
John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Jesus Provides For Our Supplies.
Phil. 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Jesus Provides For Our Security.
Heb. 13:5: Jesus Said: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
III. THEN, WE NOTICE THE PEACE THE SHEPHERD GIVES.
PSALM 23:2: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”
Sheep need to lie down before their food will properly digest.
SHEEP NEED FOUR REQUIREMENTS MET BEFORE THEY WILL LIE DOWN.
1. Sheep Need To Be Free From Panic And Peril.
If we are afraid or worried about family, friends, finances, feelings or the future, we will not rest.
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7).
2. Sheep Need To Be Free From Problems With Other Sheep.
Sheep will not rest well if there is conflict in the flock.
Christians do not rest well when there is conflict in the church or family of God.
3. Sheep Need To Be Free From Parasites.
Sheep need to be free from flies.
Christians need to be free from bad, sinful habits that drain our spiritual strength if we are to be healthy.
4. Sheep Need To Be Free From The Pangs Of Hunger.
Sheep will not lie down if they are hungry.
Christians need to be fed spiritual food in personal Bible reading and fed spiritual food in times of public worship.
ILLUSTRATION.
Do you know why the great songs of the faith speak to your heart so vividly and strongly? Because you know it is from the Word of God.
If you can’t get as excited about the Sermon From God’s Word, as you get excited about a special song, something is wrong.
ILLUSTRATION:
Sometimes a shepherd would temporarily dam up a stream so the sheep would drink and quench their thirst. Sheep will not drink from fast-flowing water.
IV. THEN, WE NOTE THE PATCHING MINISTRY OF THE SHEPHERD.
PS. 23:3: “He restoreth my soul.’
From time to time we need to come to the Saviour and say to Him, “Lord, I have sinned, I have messed things up, I have made some terrible mistakes.” I Need You To Restore Me. I Need You To Patch Me Up And Make Me Whole Again.
V. WE NEED TO ALLOW THE SHEPHERD TO BE OUR PILOT IN LIFE.
PS. 23:3B: “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
PATHS – is plural. So we know there is more than one path.
BUT – God has a path for you and He individualizes it just for you.
PROV. 3:6: “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
ILLUSTRATION.
When sheep start exploring new paths they often get into trouble. God wants us to stay on the right path “not be carried about by varied and strange teachings” (Heb. 13:9).
VI. WE NEED THE PRESENCE AND PROTECTION OF THE SHEPHERD.
PS. 23:4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
LIFE CAUSES US TO WALK INTO VALLEYS.
JESUS HELPS US TO WALK THROUGH THE VALLEYS OF LIFE.
SHEEP CAN ONLY SEE ABOUT 14 FEET AHEAD.
WE CAN’T SEE THAT FAR AHEAD!
NOTE: IN THE VALLEY JESUS IS NOT IN FRONT BUT BESIDE US.
1. Valleys include things that make us afraid
2. Valleys include difficult things including death
3. But the presence of the Shepherd helps us, calms us.
VII. THE SHEPHERD PROVIDES FOR HIS SHEEP.
PS. 23:5: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
A. JESUS: PROVIDES THROUGH HIS ARRANGEMENTS.
The Shepherd prepares a table in the presence of our enemies.
B. JESUS PROVIDES FOR US THROUGH HIS ANOINTING.
The Shepherd anoints our head with oil.
The Shepherd would examine the sheep as they entered the fold each night to see if they needed medical attention etc.
· He had a two handled cup filled with cool water
· He had soothing oil to put on the heads and horns of the sheep to keep the flies and other insects away.
· The loving care of the shepherd helped the sheep know they were loved and cared for, allowing them to sleep without fear
C. JESUS PROVIDES ABUNDANTLY.
“My cup runneth over.”
VIII. IN CONLUSCION, THE SHEPHERD PROVIDES TREMENDOUS BLESSINGS FOR OUR ENJOYMENT.
PSALM 23:6: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
David looks back over his life and comes to these two conclusions:
GOODNESS FOLLOWS US.
MERCY FOLLOWS US.
God’s Goodness takes care of my steps and His mercy takes care of my stumbles.
DAVID LOOKED FORWARD:
“I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOR EVER.”
WHAT A PRIVILEGE TO BE A SHEEP AND BELONG TO THE SHEPHERD OF OUR SOULS.
How is your Soul right now? If you were to die this very night, would you be ready to enter into eternity?
Before another minute goes by, please understand that God Loves You and sent HIS son to die on the cross for you - personally. Will you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ right now and ask HIM to forgive you of your sins? The Lord wants to save you from a sinner's HELL.
How to Go to Heaven
According to the Word of God
- Man is a sinner.
- Isaiah 53:6, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
- Romans 3:10, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”
- Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
- There is a price on our sin―eternal death in Hell.
- Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
- 2nd Thessalonians 1:8, “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Revelation 20:15, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
- Revelation 21:8, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
- Jesus paid that price by dying on the cross and shedding His blood.
- Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
- John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
- 1st Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
- 1st Peter 1:18-19, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ...”
- By faith in Jesus Christ ALONE we can be saved.
- John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
- Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
- Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
HERE IS HOW YOU CALL UPON THE LORD
Do you admit that you are a GUILTY sinner, under the condemnation of God's LAW, deserving of Hellfire?Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God (God in the flesh) who died upon the cross, sacrificing His precious blood to pay for your sins?
If you'd like to be saved, simply come in your heart as a guilty sinner and BELIEVE upon the Lord Jesus Christ.
Perhaps you'd feel comfortable praying as did the publican in Luke 18:13... “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto Heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”
Thank You for visiting this site. If we can be of help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. Much Blessings on you and yours, Dr. Joseph A.Carson Northland Baptist Ministries
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