Sunday Sermons
My Shepherd
My Shepherd
Through every form of media and in every public place "sermons" are constantly being preached. Who do you allow to influence the direction of your life? Who do you "follow"? Initially we start out primarily heeding the voice of our parents, and then often our good friends. In high school many become enamored with the persuasive words of a cool teacher or other persuasive leader. As adults many allow their thoughts and lives to be shepherded by a writer they admire, or maybe even a professional athlete, singer or actor. In our culture many just go with the tide of popular opinion or whatever the self-ascribed intellectually elite claim that science is now proving. More often than not, however, many would claim they "think for themselves" denying they need anyone to help or guide them through life.
You need a shepherd
How refreshing the wisdom and humility on the part of David in the first verse of Psalm 23. Study the early life of David, and you'll find a young man who could take care of himself and just about any situation. He had fought lion and bear—and even a giant (1 Samuel 17:34-36). Even still, this capable and brave young man essentially says in Psalm 53, “I so need guidance and protection in my life”. When we acknowledge such, we admit we don’t know it all, that we can’t handle it all on our own, and that we are going to need help.
The Lord is my Shepherd
What a great choice! The problem with choosing any other human being to be our shepherd is that we are only selecting someone to follow who is just as limited as ourselves. When we instead choose the Lord, we are selecting someone who truly loves us, who has our best eternal interest in mind, who will not die or otherwise leave us, who can see all the dangers, and who is not limited in knowledge or power. There are a good number of “shepherds” out there that are more interested in feeling powerful or gathering a fortune, than they have real interest in the people who are under their care and influence (Jeremiah 23:1-2; 50:6; Ezekiel 34:2; John 10:11-13).
I Shall Not Want
How very refreshing and relevant! Many people I have known over the years who decided not to investigate Christianity did so because they were convinced that they would “miss out” if they followed Christ. David immediately addresses this issue. If I choose Christ, will I miss out? Absolutely not! We do find “want” in our relationship with our Savior. Want is not on the path of righteousness, rather it is on the path away from God, as is the case of the Prodigal Son when he left the Father “and he began to be in need” (Luke 15:14).
Green Pastures and Quiet Waters
The “quiet waters” are wells or springs where the sheep can drink without being rushed, and the green pastures are lush fields with new and tender green shoots. A relationship with God is absolutely refreshing, completely nourishing and ultimately satisfying. Truly, when we come to God, we find “rest” (Matthew 11:28; John 6:35; 14:27) without worry and anxiety (1 Peter 5:7). When God is your Shepherd, you don’t have to keep looking over your shoulder. How many people in this world are so stressed, anxious or worried, that they can’t even enjoy the today's blessings they do have? When the text says that He makes me lie down, it does not mean that the Lord forces me to lie down, but rather when I trust Him, a situation is created in which my heart, mind and body can truly relax.
He Restores My Soul
When I was younger I did not think much about the need to have my soul restored. Yet as I grow older I have learned to appreciate this promise. Life can be incredibly difficult, and we have all seen too many people grow bitter and cynical, and, as Jesus warned, we can end up “choked” by the worries, pleasures and cares of this life (Matthew 13:22). As you and I follow Jesus and listen to His teachings we have good reason to remain optimistic. There are good hearts out there who will obey the gospel (Matthew 13:23), there are people who are doing the right thing for the right reason. When you are in the flock of God, He often uses the sheep around you to help you renew your perspective, to share your burdens, and give you the energy to keep going.
The Valley of the Shadow of Death
Make the Lord your Shepherd and you shall not lack safety. “This verse, primarily speaks of the shepherd’s ability to protect his sheep in moments of danger. The picture, as Keller points out, is of the seasonal passage from the lowlands, where sheep spend the winter, through the valley of the high pastures, where they go in summer. The valleys are places of rich pasture and much water, but they are also places of danger. Wild animals lurk in the broken canyon walls. Sudden storms may sweep along the valley floors. There may be floods. Since the sun does not shine into the valley very well, there really are shadows which at any moment may become shadows of death” (Boice pp. 210-211). Too often when people read this verse they primarily think of that period of time right at the end of their lives, but there are many times the life of each person that there will be such valleys. Not only must we one day face death, but there are all sorts of dangers long before that.
For Thou art with Me
The Lord walks not far ahead of us, but next to us during such times of danger. I am also impressed that David does not deny the existence of evil, but essentially says, “Yes it is out there, but I don’t fear it with God beside me”. I have run into many people, who don’t have the Lord, and thus their motto in life has become, “The world is a dangerous place; I have no one to look out for me.” Along with this is the attitude, “I can never relax, I must always have my guard up”. Let us remember the man who penned these words often was surrounded by danger. He fought off wild animals, fought many battles, and there was a period of life where he was on the constant move from the threats of an oppressive government, not to mention the dangers of becoming a king and staying in power. Even still David did not live in fear.
The Rod and the Staff
I really like the idea that “God is armed”. The idea that God won’t punish the wicked, may comfort a wicked person (until they find themselves persecuted by someone just as wicked as themselves), but such an idea doesn’t comfort the righteous. We need protection! We want a God Who acts, and Who will deliver us from our enemies. The “rod” beats off the external enemy, while the crooked “staff” snatches us from harm’s way. Faithful people are comforted by the fact that God will punished the wicked and He will also discipline if we begin to stray. Part of what composes God’s shepherd staff today, are elders, church discipline (Matthew 18:15), and sound preaching (1 Timothy 4:16). We wise enough to value both the rod and staff of God.
A Table Prepared
“It is one thing to survive a threat…quite another to turn it into triumph…The picture may be one of cool assurance under pressure, an Old Testament equivalent to Romans 8:31-39 or 2 Corinthians 12:9f.; a witness to infinite resources in the worst of situations” (Kidner pp. 111-112). Even during times when we are persecuted, God’s blessings are rich and full. This passage makes me think about when David had to leave Jerusalem because Absalom had gained a very large and popular following, and yet God providentially provided for David even during this time of distress (2 Samuel 17:27-29). Instead of resenting hard times, we should rather rejoice in them (Matthew 5:11-13), knowing that we will find a feast for the soul even in the most difficult times. The buffet of blessings for those who love God is indescribably rich and delicious. It is a feast to love and be loved by God.
My Cup Overflows
I have seen non-Christians, even during the best times of their lives complaining that their cup was not full. Look at David. Even during difficult times, he viewed his cup as overflowing! Do you realize how heaped up and overflowing the blessings are in your life? God has been amazingly good to you and deserves a lifetime of sacrificial gratitude on your part.
Followed by Goodness and Mercy
“Lovingkindness” is the covenant-word rendered “stead fast love” or “mercy” elsewhere. “Together with goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in the family or between firm friends. With God these qualities are not merely solid and dependable, but vigorous—for to follow does not mean here to bring up the rear but to pursue, as surely as His judgments pursue the wicked (83:15)” (Kidner p. 112). And such mercy does not end at death—but extends into eternity, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”. Glory Hallelujah!
Mark Dunagan | mdunagan@frontier.net
Beaverton Church of Christ | 503-644-9017
www.beavertonchurchofchrist.net
