This is without doubt
the most well known and well loved Psalm in all the Bible. It is also probably as misunderstood as any Psalm in the Bible,
for so many look at this Psalm as the “death Psalm”, but it is more a Psalm for living. I just want to share with
you some observations about the 23rd Psalm today:
I.
Perspective of the Psalm: many call the 22-24 Psalms the shepherd’s Psalms.
A.
Ps. 22: Crucified Shepherd
B.
Ps. 23: Caring Shepherd
C.
Ps. 24: Crowned Shepherd
II.
Person of the Psalm: Though it is called the shepherd’s Psalm, and David a former shepherd
writes it, it is really written from the perspective of a sheep. There are several characters depicted:
A.
The Sheep: foolish, ignorant, helpless, and waiting to be devoured. THIS IS THE BELIEVER.
B.
The Enemy: v. 5, THIS IS THE DECEIVER. Maybe he is a wolf, a bird of prey, or a lion. But he
seeks to kill and destroy the sheep... especially the most vulnerable ones. A wolf can tell by the sound the sheep makes what
his health is. We ought to make healthy sounds... when we feel like it and when we don’t so Satan will know he is still
God in our lives (Job, “Lord giveth...”). When we are not healthy, the best place to be is in the midst of the
sheepfold among the sheep right next to the shepherd!
C.
The Shepherd: v. 1, THIS IS THE SAVIOR.
1.
He Provides... When The Sheep Is Hungry, Thirsty, and Tired: v. 1-2
2.
He Points... When The Sheep Knows No Direction: v. 3, and he leads the sheep in those paths he has directed him in.
3.
He Protects... When The Sheep Is In Danger: v. 4, The Shepherd has walked these paths of danger before. He knows all
the tools and tendencies of the enemy. (Shuts the mouth of the traps in the dark places). He is armed with the rod and staff
to direct us, discipline us, and destroy the predators! Even death will be but a shadow.
4.
He Prepares... When The Sheep Is Intimidated: v. 5, Though the sheep is nervous in the presence of his enemy, the Shepherd
feeds him. The Shepherd teaches him that as long as the Shepherd is near the sheep have nothing to fear! This crisis food
will never upset your stomach.
5.
He Prepares... When The Sheep Is Nearing The End: v. 6
III.
Portraits of the Psalm: There are three distinct images in this chapter that I want to illustrate
to you. The Lord is portrayed in three different ways in this one Psalm:
A.
The Shepherd: v. 1-4, if he’s the shepherd, we’re the sheep.
B.
The Host: v. 5, It is one thing to be a sheep in his pasture, but it is better to be a guest
at his table. If he is the host we are his guest! It is so sweet to dine as a guest at the table of the Lord! There is no
more gracious host than the Lord!
C.
Father: v. 6, It is one thing to be a sheep, better to be a guest, but God has made us his children!
A guest eventually leaves, but a son always has a place at the table. He is not only the shepherd and the host, but he is
the Father. What manner of love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called the sons of God!
Conclusion: The question is, “Are you in the sheepfold? Are
you on the guest list? Are you in the family?” Do you really know this Lord? Are you prepared to walk through the valley
of the shadow of death alone? I can assure you that you are not... but if you have been born again, you will not have to.
Now is the time to come to know him. Now is the time to bring your cares and concerns to the shepherd. He is the Crucified
Shepherd, the Caring Shepherd, and we will soon see him as the Crowned Shepherd. Are you ready to stand before the Lord?
