1 00:00:00,719 --> 00:00:02,899 One of the most beloved chapters 2 00:00:03,279 --> 00:00:04,259 in the New Testament 3 00:00:04,879 --> 00:00:08,080 is John chapter 10. And the reason for 4 00:00:08,080 --> 00:00:10,179 that is because in that chapter, 5 00:00:10,559 --> 00:00:13,059 John presents Jesus as the good shepherd. 6 00:00:13,755 --> 00:00:15,675 He's the good shepherd who calls his sheep 7 00:00:15,675 --> 00:00:16,335 by name, 8 00:00:16,875 --> 00:00:17,934 he leads them, 9 00:00:18,714 --> 00:00:19,214 he, 10 00:00:19,675 --> 00:00:22,635 cares for them, he protects them, even being 11 00:00:22,635 --> 00:00:24,954 willing to lay down his own life to 12 00:00:24,954 --> 00:00:26,255 protect them from predators. 13 00:00:28,410 --> 00:00:31,050 And it is good as we think about 14 00:00:31,050 --> 00:00:32,570 that chapter and as we think about that 15 00:00:32,570 --> 00:00:33,070 shepherd 16 00:00:33,450 --> 00:00:35,630 to have that kind of shepherd, isn't it? 17 00:00:36,010 --> 00:00:38,570 To know that our God is not a 18 00:00:38,570 --> 00:00:40,590 God who is far removed from us, 19 00:00:41,054 --> 00:00:43,375 who just sets the world into motion and 20 00:00:43,375 --> 00:00:44,515 then lets it go, 21 00:00:44,975 --> 00:00:47,954 but a God who actually shepherds his people, 22 00:00:48,494 --> 00:00:50,254 who loves us so much that he sends 23 00:00:50,254 --> 00:00:52,094 his son to be that shepherd for us. 24 00:00:52,094 --> 00:00:53,954 It is good to have 25 00:00:54,500 --> 00:00:56,200 Christ as our good shepherd. 26 00:00:56,579 --> 00:00:58,119 And that image of God, 27 00:00:58,899 --> 00:01:01,880 God's people, people being led and being protected 28 00:01:01,939 --> 00:01:04,180 and being cared for and being shepherded by 29 00:01:04,180 --> 00:01:06,420 the Lord is an ancient one, is one 30 00:01:06,420 --> 00:01:07,959 that you find time and again 31 00:01:08,260 --> 00:01:09,400 in the Old Testament. 32 00:01:10,144 --> 00:01:11,045 And perhaps, 33 00:01:11,504 --> 00:01:13,344 chief among those places in the Old Testament 34 00:01:13,344 --> 00:01:14,944 where we see that image of that kind 35 00:01:14,944 --> 00:01:17,284 of God is Psalm 23. 36 00:01:18,465 --> 00:01:21,104 It's not just the most beloved of David's 37 00:01:21,104 --> 00:01:21,604 Psalms. 38 00:01:21,980 --> 00:01:23,599 It's not just the most 39 00:01:23,980 --> 00:01:26,140 beloved psalm in in the psalter, in the 40 00:01:26,140 --> 00:01:28,079 entire psalter, but it's probably, 41 00:01:28,780 --> 00:01:31,579 as James Montgomery Boice calls it, the best 42 00:01:31,579 --> 00:01:32,400 love chapter 43 00:01:32,700 --> 00:01:34,240 in the entire Bible. 44 00:01:34,984 --> 00:01:37,084 Even people who don't memorize scripture, 45 00:01:37,704 --> 00:01:39,484 will memorize Psalm 23. 46 00:01:40,744 --> 00:01:42,584 Only in fear and trembling when a new 47 00:01:42,584 --> 00:01:46,525 translation comes out would any kind of, translator 48 00:01:46,665 --> 00:01:49,545 or edition dare change a word in Psalm 49 00:01:49,545 --> 00:01:50,045 23 50 00:01:50,469 --> 00:01:51,849 because it is so beloved. 51 00:01:52,469 --> 00:01:55,189 Charles Haddon Spurgeon called it the pearl of 52 00:01:55,189 --> 00:01:55,930 the Psalms. 53 00:01:56,629 --> 00:01:59,049 In Psalm 23, the reader finds comfort, 54 00:01:59,670 --> 00:02:00,170 encouragement, 55 00:02:01,109 --> 00:02:03,750 and hope. And as we consider Psalm 23 56 00:02:03,750 --> 00:02:04,409 this morning, 57 00:02:04,709 --> 00:02:07,245 notice that in it, God is represented in 58 00:02:07,245 --> 00:02:07,984 2 ways. 59 00:02:08,284 --> 00:02:09,985 He's represented as our shepherd 60 00:02:10,444 --> 00:02:12,525 and he's also represented as a host of 61 00:02:12,525 --> 00:02:13,104 a banquet. 62 00:02:13,884 --> 00:02:15,905 This is interesting, of course, because David, 63 00:02:16,604 --> 00:02:17,344 had experience 64 00:02:17,645 --> 00:02:18,705 with both roles. 65 00:02:19,290 --> 00:02:22,090 In first Samuel 16, for example, after God 66 00:02:22,090 --> 00:02:23,310 has rejected Saul, 67 00:02:23,770 --> 00:02:26,569 he sends the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem to 68 00:02:26,569 --> 00:02:27,069 find 69 00:02:27,689 --> 00:02:29,050 the the person who is to be the 70 00:02:29,050 --> 00:02:29,710 new king. 71 00:02:30,729 --> 00:02:32,090 And he goes to the house of a 72 00:02:32,090 --> 00:02:33,069 man named Jesse. 73 00:02:34,025 --> 00:02:35,485 And after Jesse presents 74 00:02:35,944 --> 00:02:37,004 7 of his sons 75 00:02:37,305 --> 00:02:40,025 the prophet realizes that none of these is 76 00:02:40,025 --> 00:02:41,805 the one who is to be the king. 77 00:02:42,185 --> 00:02:43,944 And so he asked Jesse if there is 78 00:02:43,944 --> 00:02:45,245 perhaps another son. 79 00:02:45,705 --> 00:02:47,224 And Jesse tells him that indeed there is 80 00:02:47,224 --> 00:02:49,669 another son, the youngest of his sons, but 81 00:02:49,669 --> 00:02:52,169 he's not there because he is tending sheep. 82 00:02:52,629 --> 00:02:54,389 So we learn there that David, who is 83 00:02:54,389 --> 00:02:55,930 to be the great king, 84 00:02:56,229 --> 00:02:57,129 was a shepherd. 85 00:02:57,829 --> 00:03:00,250 So when David is brought to Samuel then, 86 00:03:00,310 --> 00:03:02,389 Samuel recognizes him as the one who will 87 00:03:02,389 --> 00:03:04,985 be the Lord's anointed and so he indeed 88 00:03:05,365 --> 00:03:07,864 anoints him in that moment and the rest 89 00:03:08,084 --> 00:03:08,824 is history. 90 00:03:09,844 --> 00:03:11,925 Now as king, of course, David had many 91 00:03:11,925 --> 00:03:13,925 opportunities to host many banquets, as you can 92 00:03:13,925 --> 00:03:14,425 imagine. 93 00:03:14,805 --> 00:03:17,364 His table was always full. There were all 94 00:03:17,364 --> 00:03:19,870 sorts of occasions to do that. One example 95 00:03:19,870 --> 00:03:21,469 of that that you may recall is from 96 00:03:21,469 --> 00:03:24,830 2nd Samuel 9 where David hosts Jonathan's son 97 00:03:24,830 --> 00:03:26,689 to eat at his table, Mephibosheth. 98 00:03:27,229 --> 00:03:29,949 You may recall that David is a gracious 99 00:03:29,949 --> 00:03:31,090 host on that occasion, 100 00:03:31,789 --> 00:03:33,169 and has Mephibosheth 101 00:03:33,814 --> 00:03:36,854 at his table. Now, interestingly enough, in Psalm 102 00:03:36,854 --> 00:03:39,014 23, it's not the speaker who is the 103 00:03:39,014 --> 00:03:40,555 shepherd or the host, 104 00:03:41,175 --> 00:03:41,995 God is. 105 00:03:42,615 --> 00:03:45,115 And that's where the power of this psalm 106 00:03:45,175 --> 00:03:45,675 lies. 107 00:03:46,460 --> 00:03:47,919 It's not a Psalm that, 108 00:03:48,460 --> 00:03:48,960 primarily 109 00:03:49,260 --> 00:03:51,680 encourages you to trust in your own ability. 110 00:03:52,060 --> 00:03:54,300 It doesn't invite you to rest in the 111 00:03:54,300 --> 00:03:55,840 security of your possessions. 112 00:03:56,460 --> 00:03:58,960 It doesn't embolden you to face your adversaries 113 00:03:59,099 --> 00:04:00,639 with renewed self confidence. 114 00:04:01,235 --> 00:04:03,634 It's not a call to arms. That's not 115 00:04:03,634 --> 00:04:04,294 what it is, 116 00:04:04,594 --> 00:04:05,574 1st and foremost. 117 00:04:06,034 --> 00:04:08,675 It is a call to the arms of 118 00:04:08,675 --> 00:04:09,414 your shepherd. 119 00:04:10,354 --> 00:04:10,854 Now, 120 00:04:12,435 --> 00:04:14,034 in terms of God being a shepherd in 121 00:04:14,034 --> 00:04:15,395 this Psalm, we see that from the very 122 00:04:15,395 --> 00:04:17,089 beginning. In the first line 123 00:04:17,709 --> 00:04:18,610 of the psalm, 124 00:04:19,709 --> 00:04:21,250 that we see that the Lord 125 00:04:21,629 --> 00:04:24,430 is my shepherd. In fact, the first line 126 00:04:24,430 --> 00:04:27,310 is a summary for the entire psalm. James 127 00:04:27,310 --> 00:04:30,095 Montgomery Bose says this about the psalm. He 128 00:04:30,095 --> 00:04:32,355 says, The psalm is a masterpiece throughout 129 00:04:33,134 --> 00:04:35,375 but if ever a psalm could stand almost 130 00:04:35,375 --> 00:04:36,675 on a single line, 131 00:04:37,055 --> 00:04:39,134 it is this one. And the line it 132 00:04:39,134 --> 00:04:41,154 can stand on is the first. 133 00:04:41,550 --> 00:04:43,949 In fact, it can stand on only part 134 00:04:43,949 --> 00:04:46,350 of the line, the part which says, The 135 00:04:46,350 --> 00:04:46,850 Lord 136 00:04:47,230 --> 00:04:49,089 is my shepherd. 137 00:04:50,269 --> 00:04:52,509 Notice that the word Lord is in all 138 00:04:52,509 --> 00:04:53,009 caps. 139 00:04:53,754 --> 00:04:54,735 That's an indication 140 00:04:55,274 --> 00:04:57,855 that in the Hebrew, it was the covenantal 141 00:04:57,995 --> 00:04:59,454 name of God that was used, 142 00:04:59,834 --> 00:05:02,574 represented by the four consonants, the four letters, 143 00:05:02,634 --> 00:05:04,574 which often is read now as Yahweh, 144 00:05:05,754 --> 00:05:08,415 y h w h in our English, 145 00:05:09,180 --> 00:05:09,680 alphabet. 146 00:05:10,300 --> 00:05:12,560 So those four letters, whenever you see 147 00:05:12,939 --> 00:05:15,040 those four letters show up in the Hebrew 148 00:05:15,259 --> 00:05:17,900 Old Testament, it is represented in our English 149 00:05:17,900 --> 00:05:20,879 Bible with the word Lord in capital letters. 150 00:05:21,064 --> 00:05:22,764 The point there is that it's the covenantal 151 00:05:22,824 --> 00:05:24,824 name of God that is used. It's the 152 00:05:24,824 --> 00:05:27,064 name that God revealed to Moses in Exodus 153 00:05:27,064 --> 00:05:27,564 3. 154 00:05:27,944 --> 00:05:30,104 When God spoke to Moses from the burning 155 00:05:30,104 --> 00:05:30,604 bush 156 00:05:31,144 --> 00:05:32,604 and God tells him, 157 00:05:33,160 --> 00:05:35,100 tell the people of Israel 158 00:05:35,480 --> 00:05:36,620 that the Lord 159 00:05:37,240 --> 00:05:38,300 has sent you. 160 00:05:38,759 --> 00:05:41,420 It is the Lord that binds himself 161 00:05:41,879 --> 00:05:43,420 to deliver his people 162 00:05:43,800 --> 00:05:44,300 from 163 00:05:44,600 --> 00:05:45,420 their enemies. 164 00:05:45,764 --> 00:05:48,324 It's the covenantal name of God that is 165 00:05:48,324 --> 00:05:50,805 used here in Psalm 23. Now you might 166 00:05:50,805 --> 00:05:53,944 recall, what was Moses doing in Exodus 3 167 00:05:54,245 --> 00:05:56,485 when God speaks to him from the burning 168 00:05:56,485 --> 00:05:58,965 bush? He was shepherding the flock of his 169 00:05:58,965 --> 00:05:59,465 father-in-law, 170 00:05:59,925 --> 00:06:00,425 Jethro. 171 00:06:01,850 --> 00:06:04,110 So this name is is what's used here. 172 00:06:04,170 --> 00:06:06,750 The first word, in fact, of Psalm 23 173 00:06:06,889 --> 00:06:08,910 in Hebrew is Yahweh. 174 00:06:09,449 --> 00:06:12,029 Yeah In fact, it says, Yahweh, my shepherd. 175 00:06:12,889 --> 00:06:14,829 Yahweh, my shepherd. Lord, 176 00:06:15,290 --> 00:06:16,029 my shepherd. 177 00:06:16,745 --> 00:06:19,064 Notice the intimacy that is conveyed by those 178 00:06:19,064 --> 00:06:19,564 words. 179 00:06:20,345 --> 00:06:22,425 Yahweh, the God who made a covenant with 180 00:06:22,425 --> 00:06:22,925 Israel, 181 00:06:23,305 --> 00:06:25,165 he is my 182 00:06:25,785 --> 00:06:26,285 shepherd. 183 00:06:27,145 --> 00:06:28,845 He's not just Israel's shepherd. 184 00:06:29,610 --> 00:06:31,949 He's not just my parents' shepherd. 185 00:06:32,970 --> 00:06:34,029 He's my shepherd. 186 00:06:34,970 --> 00:06:36,889 Dear Christian, do you know that Christ is 187 00:06:36,889 --> 00:06:37,709 your shepherd? 188 00:06:38,490 --> 00:06:39,790 Children, do you know 189 00:06:40,410 --> 00:06:41,149 that Christ 190 00:06:41,769 --> 00:06:43,850 is your shepherd? He's not just your parents' 191 00:06:43,850 --> 00:06:44,350 shepherd, 192 00:06:44,834 --> 00:06:45,814 He's your shepherd. 193 00:06:46,435 --> 00:06:49,074 Do you hear his voice, dear Christian, in 194 00:06:49,074 --> 00:06:49,814 his word 195 00:06:50,355 --> 00:06:53,235 as he shepherds you? Do you obey his 196 00:06:53,235 --> 00:06:53,735 word? 197 00:06:54,355 --> 00:06:55,735 Do you submit to it? 198 00:06:56,769 --> 00:06:58,069 Is your faith nurtured 199 00:06:58,449 --> 00:07:00,289 by the word of your shepherd as it 200 00:07:00,289 --> 00:07:02,289 is given to you in his word? And 201 00:07:02,289 --> 00:07:04,289 are you nurtured also in your faith at 202 00:07:04,289 --> 00:07:05,029 his table? 203 00:07:06,050 --> 00:07:08,229 Do you follow wherever he leads you? 204 00:07:09,165 --> 00:07:10,225 Do you trust him? 205 00:07:10,925 --> 00:07:12,605 Do you rest in him no matter what 206 00:07:12,605 --> 00:07:14,704 the circumstances of your life might present? 207 00:07:15,564 --> 00:07:17,964 Or do you follow other shepherds? Because you 208 00:07:17,964 --> 00:07:19,425 see, there are lots of shepherds. 209 00:07:20,285 --> 00:07:22,125 Many would want to shepherd our lives and 210 00:07:22,125 --> 00:07:23,949 they try. There's lots of voices that want 211 00:07:23,949 --> 00:07:25,389 to speak to us and want to guide 212 00:07:25,389 --> 00:07:27,169 us in all sorts of different ways. 213 00:07:28,110 --> 00:07:30,110 Do you follow those other shepherds believing that 214 00:07:30,110 --> 00:07:31,970 they will take better care of you, perhaps? 215 00:07:32,509 --> 00:07:34,370 Do you listen to those other voices 216 00:07:35,095 --> 00:07:37,355 believing that their wisdom and way are better 217 00:07:37,495 --> 00:07:39,435 than the wisdom and way of God? 218 00:07:40,055 --> 00:07:40,954 Is the Lord 219 00:07:41,495 --> 00:07:41,995 really 220 00:07:42,535 --> 00:07:43,355 your shepherd? 221 00:07:44,214 --> 00:07:45,675 Look at verses 23. 222 00:07:47,519 --> 00:07:50,160 We read, he makes me lie down in 223 00:07:50,160 --> 00:07:50,979 green pastures. 224 00:07:51,839 --> 00:07:54,579 He leads me beside still waters. He restores 225 00:07:54,639 --> 00:07:55,379 my soul. 226 00:07:55,839 --> 00:07:57,620 He leads me in paths of righteousness 227 00:07:58,399 --> 00:07:59,860 for his name's sake. 228 00:08:01,764 --> 00:08:04,584 He makes me. He leads me. 229 00:08:05,045 --> 00:08:06,504 He restores me. 230 00:08:07,204 --> 00:08:09,944 The emphasis is on the sovereign and providential 231 00:08:10,084 --> 00:08:11,685 care of God. It is he who does 232 00:08:11,685 --> 00:08:12,584 all these things, 233 00:08:12,884 --> 00:08:14,644 and it's a caring thing that he does 234 00:08:14,644 --> 00:08:15,305 for us. 235 00:08:15,980 --> 00:08:18,000 Now, why does the psalmist affirm, 236 00:08:18,620 --> 00:08:20,720 I shall not want which means 237 00:08:21,180 --> 00:08:24,300 I shall lack nothing. It's not because sheep 238 00:08:24,300 --> 00:08:25,040 are intelligent, 239 00:08:25,980 --> 00:08:26,480 independent, 240 00:08:26,939 --> 00:08:28,560 and self sufficient creatures. 241 00:08:29,504 --> 00:08:30,004 No. 242 00:08:30,305 --> 00:08:31,444 Sheep are dumb, 243 00:08:31,985 --> 00:08:33,285 vulnerable, and needy. 244 00:08:34,225 --> 00:08:36,965 Without the shepherds leading, the sheep will find 245 00:08:37,264 --> 00:08:38,804 no pastures to feed on. 246 00:08:39,424 --> 00:08:41,605 Middle Eastern studies professor Kenneth Bailey 247 00:08:41,919 --> 00:08:44,340 comments that sheep won't even drink water 248 00:08:44,720 --> 00:08:46,100 if it is running water 249 00:08:46,799 --> 00:08:49,460 because they're too afraid to get near it. 250 00:08:50,160 --> 00:08:51,620 It must be still water. 251 00:08:52,399 --> 00:08:54,320 The shepherd must lead the sheep to still 252 00:08:54,320 --> 00:08:56,660 water or they will not drink. 253 00:08:57,674 --> 00:08:59,835 Without the shepherd's scare, sheep are very vulnerable 254 00:08:59,835 --> 00:09:01,595 not only because it's hard for them to 255 00:09:01,595 --> 00:09:03,674 find food on their own and find water 256 00:09:03,674 --> 00:09:05,115 on their own that they would dare to 257 00:09:05,115 --> 00:09:07,514 drink, but also because they're very vulnerable to 258 00:09:07,514 --> 00:09:08,014 predators. 259 00:09:08,875 --> 00:09:11,215 Sheep are not particularly good at defending themselves. 260 00:09:11,909 --> 00:09:13,509 They don't run very fast so they can't 261 00:09:13,509 --> 00:09:14,250 get away. 262 00:09:14,789 --> 00:09:16,250 Without the shepherd's guidance, 263 00:09:16,870 --> 00:09:18,089 sheep will wander off 264 00:09:19,269 --> 00:09:20,169 and get lost. 265 00:09:20,709 --> 00:09:22,809 In fact, where we read here, he restores 266 00:09:22,950 --> 00:09:23,769 my soul, 267 00:09:24,815 --> 00:09:25,394 it literally says, 268 00:09:25,855 --> 00:09:26,595 he returns 269 00:09:26,975 --> 00:09:28,434 my soul or he returns 270 00:09:28,815 --> 00:09:31,294 my life. In other words, he returns me, 271 00:09:31,294 --> 00:09:32,434 he finds me. 272 00:09:33,134 --> 00:09:33,875 And perhaps, 273 00:09:34,335 --> 00:09:35,794 that may recall images, 274 00:09:36,414 --> 00:09:38,654 bring images into our mind of Luke 15 275 00:09:38,654 --> 00:09:41,039 in the parable of the lost sheep and 276 00:09:41,039 --> 00:09:43,519 how the shepherd leaves the 99 behind to 277 00:09:43,519 --> 00:09:44,799 go and find the lost sheep. That's the 278 00:09:44,799 --> 00:09:46,259 kind of shepherd that we have. 279 00:09:46,720 --> 00:09:48,879 And he does this because his reputation is 280 00:09:48,879 --> 00:09:50,240 on the line as a good shepherd. He 281 00:09:50,240 --> 00:09:52,019 doesn't lose a single sheep. 282 00:09:52,934 --> 00:09:54,715 He leads me in paths of righteousness 283 00:09:55,495 --> 00:09:57,035 for his name's sake. 284 00:09:58,215 --> 00:10:00,535 It's good for us to know that Christ, 285 00:10:00,535 --> 00:10:02,695 our good shepherd, puts his reputation on the 286 00:10:02,695 --> 00:10:04,715 line in his care for us. 287 00:10:05,179 --> 00:10:07,199 So when we are undergoing difficult 288 00:10:07,659 --> 00:10:10,319 things, trials, tribulations, we can know 289 00:10:10,860 --> 00:10:12,480 that we will not be lost 290 00:10:13,019 --> 00:10:15,899 because our Good Shepherd is the one that 291 00:10:15,899 --> 00:10:18,159 is protecting us. Listen, sheep, 292 00:10:18,860 --> 00:10:19,839 left to themselves, 293 00:10:20,945 --> 00:10:21,605 lack everything. 294 00:10:22,625 --> 00:10:25,764 But the psalmist affirms, I shall not want. 295 00:10:27,024 --> 00:10:27,524 I 296 00:10:27,985 --> 00:10:29,205 lack nothing 297 00:10:30,465 --> 00:10:31,524 because the Lord 298 00:10:32,465 --> 00:10:33,524 is his shepherd 299 00:10:33,950 --> 00:10:35,309 and that lord is the one who is 300 00:10:35,309 --> 00:10:36,610 in control of his nurture, 301 00:10:37,230 --> 00:10:38,289 of his care, 302 00:10:38,669 --> 00:10:39,889 and of his protection. 303 00:10:40,750 --> 00:10:42,429 Do you know what God do you know 304 00:10:42,429 --> 00:10:43,169 that God 305 00:10:43,710 --> 00:10:45,809 cares for you in this way? 306 00:10:47,024 --> 00:10:48,544 Children, this is one of the reasons that 307 00:10:48,544 --> 00:10:51,184 God has placed you under the care of 308 00:10:51,184 --> 00:10:51,924 your parents. 309 00:10:53,345 --> 00:10:55,365 Your parents are to provide for you, 310 00:10:55,824 --> 00:10:56,964 to protect you, 311 00:10:57,424 --> 00:10:58,644 to care for you, 312 00:10:59,184 --> 00:11:01,845 and they're to disciple you. They're shepherding you. 313 00:11:02,330 --> 00:11:05,230 So whenever you practice family worship at home, 314 00:11:05,529 --> 00:11:07,450 I know that that is your favorite time 315 00:11:07,450 --> 00:11:10,169 of the day to do family worship. That's 316 00:11:10,169 --> 00:11:11,389 how my kids are, 317 00:11:12,009 --> 00:11:13,470 said no parent ever. 318 00:11:15,129 --> 00:11:16,750 It ought to be our favorite time 319 00:11:17,115 --> 00:11:19,514 because we are being conformed to the image 320 00:11:19,514 --> 00:11:20,095 of Christ. 321 00:11:20,794 --> 00:11:22,634 Your parents do this because they are being 322 00:11:22,634 --> 00:11:25,754 obedient to their shepherd when they catechize you, 323 00:11:25,754 --> 00:11:27,695 when you study the catechism together. 324 00:11:28,075 --> 00:11:30,554 That's what we're doing we're discipling you. We 325 00:11:30,554 --> 00:11:33,050 are shepherding you. When we do corporate worship 326 00:11:33,050 --> 00:11:34,809 together that's what's going on and not just 327 00:11:34,809 --> 00:11:37,290 you but your parents. We are all being 328 00:11:37,290 --> 00:11:37,790 shepherded 329 00:11:38,250 --> 00:11:40,110 as we do this, as we come together. 330 00:11:40,410 --> 00:11:42,190 The good shepherd makes his sheep 331 00:11:42,649 --> 00:11:45,290 lie down and feed on green pastures, David 332 00:11:45,290 --> 00:11:48,074 tells us. Now, of course, that means that 333 00:11:48,294 --> 00:11:49,975 he provides food for them just like God 334 00:11:49,975 --> 00:11:51,034 provides our food. 335 00:11:51,654 --> 00:11:53,975 That's why, we have that petition in the 336 00:11:53,975 --> 00:11:56,294 Lord's prayer that we would that the Lord 337 00:11:56,294 --> 00:11:58,534 would be the one who provides our daily 338 00:11:58,534 --> 00:12:00,214 bread and he does that and we're thankful 339 00:12:00,214 --> 00:12:02,330 for that. But it's not just physical food 340 00:12:02,330 --> 00:12:05,470 that he provides, the green pastures also represent 341 00:12:06,009 --> 00:12:06,909 spiritual food, 342 00:12:07,210 --> 00:12:08,190 spiritual nourishment. 343 00:12:08,570 --> 00:12:10,669 He gives us his word. 344 00:12:11,529 --> 00:12:12,830 Charles Spurgeon comments, 345 00:12:13,529 --> 00:12:15,309 What are these green pastures? 346 00:12:16,054 --> 00:12:17,914 But the scriptures of truth? 347 00:12:18,294 --> 00:12:19,274 Always fresh, 348 00:12:19,815 --> 00:12:20,794 always rich, 349 00:12:21,174 --> 00:12:22,315 and never exhausted. 350 00:12:23,654 --> 00:12:24,554 Are you feeding 351 00:12:24,934 --> 00:12:26,235 on the green pastures? 352 00:12:26,615 --> 00:12:29,174 Are you feeding on scripture? Is it your 353 00:12:29,174 --> 00:12:30,075 daily bread? 354 00:12:32,079 --> 00:12:35,299 It is by contemplating and digesting God's word 355 00:12:35,519 --> 00:12:37,600 and by allowing God's spirit to quench our 356 00:12:37,600 --> 00:12:40,159 thirst with his grace that our soul is 357 00:12:40,159 --> 00:12:41,699 nourished and refreshed 358 00:12:42,159 --> 00:12:44,659 and as the Psalm says restored. 359 00:12:45,004 --> 00:12:47,504 We are returned to life as we read 360 00:12:47,565 --> 00:12:49,584 this word which is our life. 361 00:12:49,964 --> 00:12:52,284 What a blessing that this psalm begins with 362 00:12:52,284 --> 00:12:53,024 a reminder 363 00:12:53,325 --> 00:12:55,264 that God provides us with rest 364 00:12:55,725 --> 00:12:56,464 and restoration, 365 00:12:56,845 --> 00:12:59,164 that he provides us with his word to 366 00:12:59,164 --> 00:13:00,144 nourish us. 367 00:13:00,980 --> 00:13:02,600 Now, are you availing yourselves 368 00:13:02,980 --> 00:13:04,600 of this provision from God? 369 00:13:04,980 --> 00:13:05,879 Are you submitting 370 00:13:06,259 --> 00:13:08,740 to his care? Is it your priority to 371 00:13:08,740 --> 00:13:10,120 always begin your week 372 00:13:10,420 --> 00:13:11,160 with worship 373 00:13:11,540 --> 00:13:13,800 and with rest as you are doing now 374 00:13:13,940 --> 00:13:15,240 on the Lord's day? 375 00:13:16,424 --> 00:13:18,424 This is why not only do we worship 376 00:13:18,424 --> 00:13:20,105 on the lord's day but also we rest 377 00:13:20,105 --> 00:13:22,585 on the lord's day. We have refreshment. We 378 00:13:22,585 --> 00:13:23,325 have fellowship. 379 00:13:23,705 --> 00:13:24,985 We need that. It is a way in 380 00:13:24,985 --> 00:13:26,985 which our shepherd cares for us and so 381 00:13:26,985 --> 00:13:29,065 we have to avail ourselves of such a 382 00:13:29,065 --> 00:13:29,804 good care. 383 00:13:30,440 --> 00:13:31,580 Look at verse 4 384 00:13:34,120 --> 00:13:36,120 now. Even though I walk through the valley 385 00:13:36,120 --> 00:13:37,339 of the shadow of death, 386 00:13:37,960 --> 00:13:39,720 I will fear no evil for you are 387 00:13:39,720 --> 00:13:40,460 with me. 388 00:13:40,839 --> 00:13:42,460 Your rod and your staff, 389 00:13:43,294 --> 00:13:46,115 they comfort me. Notice the pronoun change 390 00:13:46,495 --> 00:13:49,074 that takes place here in verse 4. 391 00:13:49,694 --> 00:13:50,995 We go from he, 392 00:13:51,454 --> 00:13:53,235 he is my shepherd, to you. 393 00:13:54,654 --> 00:13:55,154 During, 394 00:13:55,774 --> 00:13:57,714 during summer and fall in Israel, 395 00:13:58,070 --> 00:13:59,769 the weather is very, very hot 396 00:14:00,230 --> 00:14:02,649 and the shepherd has to lead his flock 397 00:14:02,870 --> 00:14:05,190 to find pastures to eat because the the 398 00:14:05,190 --> 00:14:07,830 scorching heat of the sun will make all 399 00:14:07,830 --> 00:14:09,289 the grass die. 400 00:14:09,669 --> 00:14:12,309 And so this is why this can entail 401 00:14:12,309 --> 00:14:13,129 going into, 402 00:14:13,955 --> 00:14:14,855 dark valleys 403 00:14:15,235 --> 00:14:16,855 where the shadows protect 404 00:14:17,235 --> 00:14:19,075 the grass there from the heat of the 405 00:14:19,075 --> 00:14:20,995 sun and really what they tend to feed 406 00:14:20,995 --> 00:14:22,215 on is just weeds 407 00:14:22,595 --> 00:14:24,595 but but the ravines in the in the 408 00:14:24,595 --> 00:14:28,230 valleys also allow the grass to grow whereas 409 00:14:28,230 --> 00:14:30,549 in the areas that are exposed, the grass 410 00:14:30,549 --> 00:14:31,449 would not grow. 411 00:14:32,309 --> 00:14:34,629 But valleys are places, of course, where predators 412 00:14:34,629 --> 00:14:37,669 and thieves can easily hide because both of 413 00:14:37,669 --> 00:14:39,929 the rugged terrain and because of the darkness. 414 00:14:40,995 --> 00:14:42,375 Wickedness loves darkness. 415 00:14:42,754 --> 00:14:45,654 Danger loves darkness. Doing things in secret. 416 00:14:46,195 --> 00:14:47,715 Even though we are children of the light, 417 00:14:47,715 --> 00:14:50,115 sometimes we have to deal with darkness, don't 418 00:14:50,115 --> 00:14:52,195 we? And we can be sure that in 419 00:14:52,195 --> 00:14:53,254 those dark places, 420 00:14:53,795 --> 00:14:55,254 our Lord is with us. 421 00:14:55,830 --> 00:14:59,029 Now flash floods also occur frequently in the 422 00:14:59,029 --> 00:15:01,910 Middle East and valleys are particularly dangerous places 423 00:15:01,910 --> 00:15:04,070 when that happens because without warning, they'll come 424 00:15:04,070 --> 00:15:06,309 and and they will flood the valleys and 425 00:15:06,309 --> 00:15:06,809 so, 426 00:15:07,269 --> 00:15:08,570 it's a dangerous place. 427 00:15:08,950 --> 00:15:10,970 So the psalmist indicates therefore 428 00:15:11,884 --> 00:15:14,365 that not only are green pastures and still 429 00:15:14,365 --> 00:15:16,784 waters part of God's provision and plan, 430 00:15:17,485 --> 00:15:19,345 but so are dark valleys. 431 00:15:20,605 --> 00:15:22,784 It's important for us to hear that. 432 00:15:23,485 --> 00:15:25,404 It's not just that when things are good 433 00:15:25,404 --> 00:15:27,539 we can say, oh, God is shepherding me. 434 00:15:28,019 --> 00:15:29,399 He is caring for me. 435 00:15:29,860 --> 00:15:32,100 Even in the dark valleys, he goes before 436 00:15:32,100 --> 00:15:32,600 us. 437 00:15:32,980 --> 00:15:35,079 He leads us into those dark valleys 438 00:15:35,539 --> 00:15:37,079 and he does not let go. 439 00:15:37,940 --> 00:15:38,440 Somehow, 440 00:15:39,059 --> 00:15:41,855 because he is so great, he uses those 441 00:15:41,855 --> 00:15:44,754 dark valleys to conform us more to him. 442 00:15:45,455 --> 00:15:47,075 To make our prayer life better. 443 00:15:47,534 --> 00:15:49,534 To remind us that he is the one 444 00:15:49,534 --> 00:15:51,855 who provides all our security, and all of 445 00:15:51,855 --> 00:15:53,554 our comfort, and all of our care. 446 00:15:54,429 --> 00:15:56,289 Puritan Thomas Boston writes, 447 00:15:56,669 --> 00:15:59,250 everyone knows what is most pleasant to him 448 00:15:59,709 --> 00:16:03,009 but God alone knows what is most profitable. 449 00:16:04,269 --> 00:16:06,690 It is during these dark and dangerous times 450 00:16:06,990 --> 00:16:09,329 that he, as our shepherd, is closer 451 00:16:09,924 --> 00:16:10,665 than ever. 452 00:16:11,605 --> 00:16:13,125 Even though I walk through the valley of 453 00:16:13,125 --> 00:16:15,285 the shadow of death, I will fear no 454 00:16:15,285 --> 00:16:15,785 evil 455 00:16:16,245 --> 00:16:17,144 for you 456 00:16:17,764 --> 00:16:19,785 are with me, the psalmist says. 457 00:16:20,404 --> 00:16:22,745 He doesn't say, for he is with me. 458 00:16:23,125 --> 00:16:24,825 He says, no, you 459 00:16:25,709 --> 00:16:26,610 are with me. 460 00:16:27,069 --> 00:16:28,610 He's talking to his shepherd. 461 00:16:29,230 --> 00:16:30,509 How good is that to know that he 462 00:16:30,509 --> 00:16:31,329 is with us? 463 00:16:31,709 --> 00:16:33,309 Your rod and your staff, they come for 464 00:16:33,309 --> 00:16:35,409 me, says the psalmist. The rod, 465 00:16:35,870 --> 00:16:37,389 and the staff were the tools of the 466 00:16:37,389 --> 00:16:38,529 trade for the shepherd. 467 00:16:38,945 --> 00:16:41,044 The rod was used to fend off predators. 468 00:16:41,584 --> 00:16:43,664 The staff was a walking stick to guide 469 00:16:43,664 --> 00:16:45,504 the sheep and even with the hook at 470 00:16:45,504 --> 00:16:46,644 the end to, 471 00:16:47,184 --> 00:16:49,024 to to bring the sheep back into the 472 00:16:49,024 --> 00:16:50,725 fold whenever it would wander away. 473 00:16:51,370 --> 00:16:53,370 Even in the valley of our life, we 474 00:16:53,370 --> 00:16:55,690 must draw comfort in the fact that God 475 00:16:55,690 --> 00:16:58,170 as our shepherd is our guide and our 476 00:16:58,170 --> 00:16:58,670 protector. 477 00:16:59,290 --> 00:17:02,090 It's even comforting to know that death itself 478 00:17:02,090 --> 00:17:03,629 is now a mere shadow 479 00:17:04,250 --> 00:17:06,250 because our shepherd has led the way through 480 00:17:06,250 --> 00:17:06,750 death. 481 00:17:07,345 --> 00:17:09,025 Look at what the author of Hebrews writes 482 00:17:09,025 --> 00:17:11,265 in Hebrews 2 verses 14 and 15. He 483 00:17:11,265 --> 00:17:11,765 writes, 484 00:17:13,265 --> 00:17:15,664 since therefore the children share in flesh and 485 00:17:15,664 --> 00:17:16,164 blood, 486 00:17:16,705 --> 00:17:20,085 Jesus himself likewise partook of the same things, 487 00:17:20,519 --> 00:17:21,660 that through death 488 00:17:22,119 --> 00:17:23,820 he might destroy the one 489 00:17:25,640 --> 00:17:27,099 who has the power of death, 490 00:17:27,400 --> 00:17:30,519 that is the devil, and deliver all those 491 00:17:30,519 --> 00:17:32,440 who through fear of death were subject to 492 00:17:32,440 --> 00:17:32,940 lifelong 493 00:17:33,320 --> 00:17:33,820 slavery. 494 00:17:34,934 --> 00:17:36,234 Our shepherd has walked 495 00:17:36,694 --> 00:17:38,154 this dark path before 496 00:17:38,934 --> 00:17:41,414 and he has conquered it. He has swallowed 497 00:17:41,414 --> 00:17:42,075 it up. 498 00:17:42,375 --> 00:17:44,075 He has removed its sting. 499 00:17:44,534 --> 00:17:45,994 Only its shadow remains. 500 00:17:46,375 --> 00:17:48,134 And if there's a shadow, you can be 501 00:17:48,134 --> 00:17:50,700 sure that there is light beyond it. Christ 502 00:17:50,700 --> 00:17:51,200 himself 503 00:17:51,500 --> 00:17:52,559 is our light. 504 00:17:53,339 --> 00:17:55,279 It is in the hope of his light 505 00:17:55,419 --> 00:17:57,039 that we now walk. 506 00:17:57,900 --> 00:18:00,299 Now, what about this image of God as 507 00:18:00,299 --> 00:18:02,779 host? In verse 5, that's where the metaphor 508 00:18:02,779 --> 00:18:05,039 changes in this Psalm. He goes from shepherd 509 00:18:05,474 --> 00:18:07,174 to host. Look at verse 5. 510 00:18:07,954 --> 00:18:08,694 We read, 511 00:18:10,115 --> 00:18:12,275 you prepare a table before me in the 512 00:18:12,275 --> 00:18:13,494 presence of my enemies. 513 00:18:14,115 --> 00:18:15,815 You anoint my head with oil. 514 00:18:16,355 --> 00:18:17,174 My cup 515 00:18:18,009 --> 00:18:18,509 overflows. 516 00:18:21,529 --> 00:18:22,029 Now, 517 00:18:22,809 --> 00:18:24,490 in the heat of the ancient Near East, 518 00:18:24,490 --> 00:18:26,730 it was customary that when you were hosting 519 00:18:26,730 --> 00:18:27,309 a banquet, 520 00:18:27,769 --> 00:18:30,009 you would, whenever you would receive guests, you 521 00:18:30,009 --> 00:18:32,884 would anoint their head with oil. And the 522 00:18:32,884 --> 00:18:34,884 reason you would do this is because it 523 00:18:34,884 --> 00:18:37,924 would provide refreshment to their skin and also 524 00:18:37,924 --> 00:18:39,464 would be oil mixed with, 525 00:18:39,924 --> 00:18:42,005 with perfume and so it would provide a 526 00:18:42,005 --> 00:18:44,644 pleasing aroma for the guests and for all 527 00:18:44,644 --> 00:18:46,105 the other guests who were there. 528 00:18:46,609 --> 00:18:49,590 And the overflowing cup that we see here, 529 00:18:50,130 --> 00:18:51,670 is a symbol of the gracious 530 00:18:52,289 --> 00:18:54,230 and abundant provision at the table 531 00:18:54,609 --> 00:18:55,670 of this magnificent 532 00:18:56,130 --> 00:18:58,289 host. So he's a host that takes care 533 00:18:58,289 --> 00:19:00,914 of his guests in every way. In 2 534 00:19:00,914 --> 00:19:03,875 Corinthians 4, Paul writes that we as Christians 535 00:19:03,875 --> 00:19:06,355 have received the greatest gift of all and 536 00:19:06,355 --> 00:19:08,275 that this gift has been given to us 537 00:19:08,275 --> 00:19:10,134 who are mere jars of clay. 538 00:19:10,995 --> 00:19:12,455 But these jars of clay 539 00:19:12,835 --> 00:19:13,654 are overflowing 540 00:19:14,115 --> 00:19:16,339 with this gift. Our cup 541 00:19:16,640 --> 00:19:17,140 overflows. 542 00:19:18,079 --> 00:19:19,700 The gospel rightly received 543 00:19:20,160 --> 00:19:21,299 cannot be contained. 544 00:19:22,240 --> 00:19:24,559 Our cup overflows so that others might taste 545 00:19:24,559 --> 00:19:27,119 and see that the Lord, this great host 546 00:19:27,119 --> 00:19:27,859 of the banquet, 547 00:19:28,240 --> 00:19:28,980 is good. 548 00:19:30,045 --> 00:19:31,985 William Secor, the Puritan writes, 549 00:19:33,005 --> 00:19:35,085 why does the Lord make your cup run 550 00:19:35,085 --> 00:19:35,585 over 551 00:19:36,205 --> 00:19:38,765 but that other men's lips might taste the 552 00:19:38,765 --> 00:19:39,265 liquor? 553 00:19:39,965 --> 00:19:42,365 The showers that fall upon the highest mountains 554 00:19:42,365 --> 00:19:44,785 should glide into the lowest valleys. 555 00:19:45,869 --> 00:19:47,089 This is why we are 556 00:19:47,549 --> 00:19:48,609 to, evangelize. 557 00:19:49,309 --> 00:19:50,750 This is why we are to share the 558 00:19:50,750 --> 00:19:53,069 good news of Jesus Christ with others. This 559 00:19:53,069 --> 00:19:55,150 is why we are to invite people to 560 00:19:55,150 --> 00:19:56,450 come to our gatherings 561 00:19:57,150 --> 00:19:59,650 on Sunday morning to worship this great host 562 00:19:59,869 --> 00:20:01,894 and even during the week so that they 563 00:20:01,894 --> 00:20:04,375 can learn more as we study the Bible 564 00:20:04,375 --> 00:20:06,394 together but not just study the Bible together 565 00:20:06,534 --> 00:20:07,274 as we, 566 00:20:07,974 --> 00:20:10,694 demonstrate the love of God, the forgiveness of 567 00:20:10,694 --> 00:20:13,414 God, the mercy of God, the graciousness of 568 00:20:13,414 --> 00:20:16,089 God to one another. That's how God shows 569 00:20:16,089 --> 00:20:17,950 his love for people as we, 570 00:20:18,250 --> 00:20:20,490 as his body, do the very things that 571 00:20:20,490 --> 00:20:21,869 God calls us to do. 572 00:20:22,329 --> 00:20:23,929 The fact that the table is prepared in 573 00:20:23,929 --> 00:20:26,169 the presence of the psalmist's enemies is a 574 00:20:26,169 --> 00:20:27,630 picture of total victory. 575 00:20:28,835 --> 00:20:29,974 The hostess conquered 576 00:20:30,595 --> 00:20:33,575 all of his and all of our enemies. 577 00:20:34,115 --> 00:20:36,914 It was customary, of course, in antiquity whenever 578 00:20:36,914 --> 00:20:39,394 a general would triumph to actually prepare a 579 00:20:39,394 --> 00:20:41,957 feast and he would have the the, 580 00:20:42,394 --> 00:20:45,890 the ones who were captured, those captives of 581 00:20:45,890 --> 00:20:49,387 the enemies at the feast not eating but 582 00:20:49,387 --> 00:20:51,135 watching the victorious army, 583 00:20:51,572 --> 00:20:54,595 enjoy the spoils of their victory. So there's 584 00:20:54,595 --> 00:20:56,194 a sense in which that's going on but 585 00:20:56,194 --> 00:20:57,954 that's not all that's going on. Perhaps even 586 00:20:57,954 --> 00:21:00,115 more important than that, it's a picture of 587 00:21:00,115 --> 00:21:02,214 the host's steadfast love and loyalty. 588 00:21:03,075 --> 00:21:05,014 He throws a banquet for the psalmist 589 00:21:05,394 --> 00:21:07,654 in the presence of the psalmist's enemies. 590 00:21:08,750 --> 00:21:09,970 The host is not ashamed 591 00:21:10,509 --> 00:21:11,410 of his guest. 592 00:21:12,029 --> 00:21:14,769 The host is willing to publicly align himself 593 00:21:15,070 --> 00:21:15,970 with the psalmist 594 00:21:16,430 --> 00:21:17,650 no matter the cost. 595 00:21:18,590 --> 00:21:20,910 Now, we might be ashamed of ourselves when 596 00:21:20,910 --> 00:21:21,570 we sin. 597 00:21:22,414 --> 00:21:23,634 It's a grievous thing. 598 00:21:24,174 --> 00:21:25,855 We say, how can we be sinning again 599 00:21:25,855 --> 00:21:28,255 when we have such a gracious host, such 600 00:21:28,255 --> 00:21:29,154 a good God, 601 00:21:29,775 --> 00:21:31,075 such a pure Savior? 602 00:21:31,775 --> 00:21:32,994 And there we are again, 603 00:21:33,615 --> 00:21:34,115 sinning. 604 00:21:35,250 --> 00:21:37,990 And so we feel shame from that. 605 00:21:39,009 --> 00:21:40,769 And Satan, of course, reminds us of our 606 00:21:40,769 --> 00:21:41,670 sin constantly. 607 00:21:42,369 --> 00:21:43,829 How good it is to know 608 00:21:44,609 --> 00:21:46,869 that our host is not ashamed of us. 609 00:21:47,505 --> 00:21:48,805 He prepares a table 610 00:21:49,664 --> 00:21:51,924 for us in the presence of our enemies. 611 00:21:52,625 --> 00:21:54,464 He aligns himself with us. He says, He 612 00:21:54,464 --> 00:21:56,325 is mine and I am his. 613 00:21:56,785 --> 00:21:59,184 Remember that. It's not that our sin is 614 00:21:59,184 --> 00:22:00,964 not significant it's not that we shouldn't, 615 00:22:01,640 --> 00:22:03,500 turn away from it. We should, of course. 616 00:22:03,720 --> 00:22:06,359 But know that our Lord knows everything about 617 00:22:06,359 --> 00:22:06,859 us 618 00:22:07,240 --> 00:22:09,179 and he loves loves us nonetheless. 619 00:22:09,640 --> 00:22:11,019 While we were his enemies, 620 00:22:11,319 --> 00:22:14,200 Christ died for us and he has adopted 621 00:22:14,200 --> 00:22:17,444 us. We have that kind of gracious host. 622 00:22:19,505 --> 00:22:21,744 The host is willing to publicly align with 623 00:22:21,744 --> 00:22:23,664 the psalmist no matter what the cost is. 624 00:22:23,664 --> 00:22:25,365 And the host treats the psalmist 625 00:22:25,904 --> 00:22:27,605 in the presence of those 626 00:22:27,984 --> 00:22:29,045 who hate him 627 00:22:29,480 --> 00:22:31,099 as his honored guest 628 00:22:31,400 --> 00:22:33,799 anointing his head his head with oil and 629 00:22:33,799 --> 00:22:34,859 having his servants 630 00:22:35,640 --> 00:22:37,320 always at the beck and call of the 631 00:22:37,320 --> 00:22:39,660 guest, making sure that his cup 632 00:22:40,039 --> 00:22:43,580 never runs out, that it always overflows. 633 00:22:44,595 --> 00:22:47,075 Imagine if we treated our host with that 634 00:22:47,075 --> 00:22:47,894 kind of loyalty. 635 00:22:49,154 --> 00:22:50,595 He's not ashamed of us but are we 636 00:22:50,595 --> 00:22:51,654 ashamed of him? 637 00:22:53,634 --> 00:22:55,875 Would we honor him in the presence of 638 00:22:55,875 --> 00:22:56,535 his enemies? 639 00:22:57,154 --> 00:22:58,934 Those who would speak against him 640 00:22:59,429 --> 00:23:00,950 no matter what the cost might be to 641 00:23:00,950 --> 00:23:02,309 us. You know, a time might be coming 642 00:23:02,309 --> 00:23:03,909 when we'll be called to do that very 643 00:23:03,909 --> 00:23:04,409 thing. 644 00:23:05,349 --> 00:23:06,710 There's a sense in which we are called 645 00:23:06,710 --> 00:23:08,710 to do that now, of course, but when 646 00:23:08,710 --> 00:23:10,490 the cost will be very significant, 647 00:23:11,315 --> 00:23:13,234 will we will we be embarrassed of our 648 00:23:13,234 --> 00:23:15,394 host? He's not embarrassed of us even though 649 00:23:15,394 --> 00:23:16,615 he might have reason to. 650 00:23:17,394 --> 00:23:18,914 We have no reason to be embarrassed of 651 00:23:18,914 --> 00:23:21,394 him. May we not be embarrassed of him 652 00:23:21,394 --> 00:23:23,875 when the time comes. So again, this message 653 00:23:23,875 --> 00:23:26,615 is that those under his sovereign and providential 654 00:23:26,755 --> 00:23:30,190 care will lack nothing. They shall not want. 655 00:23:30,809 --> 00:23:32,809 The 2 images in Psalm 23, that of 656 00:23:32,809 --> 00:23:35,450 shepherd and of hosts, both bear witness to 657 00:23:35,450 --> 00:23:36,190 this fact. 658 00:23:36,730 --> 00:23:38,190 Remember, according to Scripture, 659 00:23:38,490 --> 00:23:40,829 the testimony of 2 witnesses is trustworthy. 660 00:23:41,605 --> 00:23:43,764 And here we have 2 witnesses, that of 661 00:23:43,764 --> 00:23:45,704 a shepherd and that of a host, 662 00:23:46,085 --> 00:23:47,625 saying, you are mine.' 663 00:23:48,404 --> 00:23:49,065 The scriptures 664 00:23:49,764 --> 00:23:52,164 are 2 witnesses in one sense. The Old 665 00:23:52,164 --> 00:23:54,484 Testament bears witness to the Messiah that will 666 00:23:54,484 --> 00:23:57,119 one day come. The New Testament bear with 667 00:23:57,200 --> 00:23:59,119 bears witness to that same Messiah that has 668 00:23:59,119 --> 00:24:00,740 already come. Two witnesses 669 00:24:01,200 --> 00:24:01,940 are worthy 670 00:24:02,319 --> 00:24:03,460 of of trust. 671 00:24:03,919 --> 00:24:05,700 And we have here 2 witnesses 672 00:24:06,159 --> 00:24:07,779 to God, the shepherd, 673 00:24:08,174 --> 00:24:10,755 and the host. This is grace upon grace. 674 00:24:11,134 --> 00:24:13,855 It's a picture of the fulfillment of God's 675 00:24:13,855 --> 00:24:14,355 promises, 676 00:24:15,215 --> 00:24:17,535 which of course lead us to verse 6. 677 00:24:17,535 --> 00:24:18,995 Look at what verse 6 says. 678 00:24:19,934 --> 00:24:20,674 We read, 679 00:24:21,660 --> 00:24:22,640 surely goodness 680 00:24:23,100 --> 00:24:23,840 and mercy 681 00:24:24,220 --> 00:24:26,460 shall follow me all the days of my 682 00:24:26,460 --> 00:24:26,960 life, 683 00:24:27,580 --> 00:24:29,580 and I shall dwell in the house of 684 00:24:29,580 --> 00:24:30,240 the Lord 685 00:24:30,860 --> 00:24:31,360 forever. 686 00:24:33,420 --> 00:24:34,320 In the end, 687 00:24:35,259 --> 00:24:36,559 under God's care, 688 00:24:37,375 --> 00:24:40,015 the predators that seek to devour us will 689 00:24:40,015 --> 00:24:40,515 fail. 690 00:24:41,934 --> 00:24:44,255 The shepherd with his rod and his staff 691 00:24:44,255 --> 00:24:45,315 goes before us. 692 00:24:45,694 --> 00:24:48,015 And goodness and mercy, that is goodness and 693 00:24:48,015 --> 00:24:50,579 steadfast love, like like 2 dogs that are 694 00:24:50,579 --> 00:24:52,980 caring for the shepherd's flock are at our 695 00:24:52,980 --> 00:24:53,799 rear guard. 696 00:24:54,980 --> 00:24:57,299 The Hebrew for verse 6 actually reads, And 697 00:24:57,299 --> 00:24:58,900 I will return to the house of the 698 00:24:58,900 --> 00:25:01,319 Lord for the length of my days. 699 00:25:02,244 --> 00:25:04,484 Which is a picture of fulfillment of God's 700 00:25:04,484 --> 00:25:06,825 promise to sustain us, to per to persevere 701 00:25:06,884 --> 00:25:08,505 us, to preserve us. 702 00:25:10,005 --> 00:25:11,784 When we belong to the good shepherd, 703 00:25:12,484 --> 00:25:13,704 we don't walk alone 704 00:25:14,884 --> 00:25:16,825 and we don't lack a home. 705 00:25:17,569 --> 00:25:19,490 In John 10, Jesus says, I am the 706 00:25:19,490 --> 00:25:20,630 door of the sheep. 707 00:25:21,410 --> 00:25:22,869 If Jesus is your shepherd, 708 00:25:23,329 --> 00:25:24,869 that door never closes. 709 00:25:25,890 --> 00:25:26,950 In John 637, 710 00:25:27,410 --> 00:25:30,309 Jesus says, all that the father gives me 711 00:25:30,609 --> 00:25:31,670 will come to me 712 00:25:32,244 --> 00:25:34,744 and whoever comes to me, I will never 713 00:25:35,044 --> 00:25:36,105 cast out. 714 00:25:37,525 --> 00:25:40,164 John Bunyan, the Puritan pastor and author of 715 00:25:40,164 --> 00:25:42,984 the Pilgrim's Progress commenting on this verse writes 716 00:25:44,109 --> 00:25:45,329 he imagines this, 717 00:25:46,109 --> 00:25:49,549 sinner before the shepherd, before Jesus Christ having 718 00:25:49,549 --> 00:25:51,649 this conversation, the sinner saying, 719 00:25:52,429 --> 00:25:54,529 but I am a great sinner, sayest thou. 720 00:25:55,470 --> 00:25:57,970 I will know in no wise cast out, 721 00:25:58,714 --> 00:25:59,214 says 722 00:26:00,394 --> 00:26:02,315 Christ. But I am an old sinner, sayest 723 00:26:02,315 --> 00:26:02,815 thou. 724 00:26:03,674 --> 00:26:05,535 I will in no wise cast out, 725 00:26:06,634 --> 00:26:07,455 says Christ. 726 00:26:08,075 --> 00:26:10,815 But I am a hard hard hard hearted 727 00:26:11,035 --> 00:26:12,734 sinner, sayest thou. 728 00:26:13,440 --> 00:26:15,919 I will in no wise cast out, says 729 00:26:15,919 --> 00:26:16,419 Christ. 730 00:26:17,599 --> 00:26:20,579 But I am a backsliding sinner, sayest thou. 731 00:26:21,119 --> 00:26:23,619 I will in no wise cast out, 732 00:26:24,000 --> 00:26:24,819 says Christ. 733 00:26:25,855 --> 00:26:28,034 But I have served Satan all my days, 734 00:26:28,335 --> 00:26:29,154 saest thou. 735 00:26:30,014 --> 00:26:32,194 I will in no wise cast out, 736 00:26:32,734 --> 00:26:33,474 says Christ. 737 00:26:34,494 --> 00:26:37,234 But I have sinned against light, saest thou. 738 00:26:37,855 --> 00:26:40,894 I will in no wise cast out, says 739 00:26:40,894 --> 00:26:41,394 Christ. 740 00:26:42,390 --> 00:26:44,170 But I have sinned against mercy, 741 00:26:44,549 --> 00:26:45,450 saest thou. 742 00:26:45,990 --> 00:26:48,250 I will in no wise cast out, 743 00:26:48,549 --> 00:26:49,369 says Christ. 744 00:26:50,470 --> 00:26:52,150 But I have done no good thing to 745 00:26:52,150 --> 00:26:54,170 bring with me, saest thou. 746 00:26:54,544 --> 00:26:56,164 I will in no wise 747 00:26:56,544 --> 00:26:57,044 cast 748 00:26:57,585 --> 00:26:58,644 out, says Christ. 749 00:26:59,744 --> 00:27:02,625 The grace, and mercy, and compassion, and steadfast 750 00:27:02,625 --> 00:27:04,724 love of Christ our shepherd is so great, 751 00:27:05,184 --> 00:27:07,585 so limitless for his flock that we can 752 00:27:07,585 --> 00:27:09,765 rightly say, The Lord is my shepherd. 753 00:27:10,519 --> 00:27:11,980 I shall not want.' 754 00:27:13,319 --> 00:27:14,679 Of course, we know all of this is 755 00:27:14,679 --> 00:27:15,179 true. 756 00:27:15,799 --> 00:27:17,019 Not because of David 757 00:27:17,319 --> 00:27:20,279 but because of David's son and David's Lord 758 00:27:20,279 --> 00:27:21,579 and David's shepherd. 759 00:27:22,359 --> 00:27:22,859 Jesus 760 00:27:23,240 --> 00:27:23,740 fulfills 761 00:27:24,200 --> 00:27:25,099 this promise. 762 00:27:25,585 --> 00:27:28,244 All of these promises. After Herod Antipas 763 00:27:28,545 --> 00:27:29,845 beheads John the Baptist, 764 00:27:30,225 --> 00:27:31,605 the fame of Jesus grows. 765 00:27:32,305 --> 00:27:35,505 His miracles and teaching are attracting many, many 766 00:27:35,505 --> 00:27:39,160 followers, many, so many that they this crowd 767 00:27:39,160 --> 00:27:40,920 gathers around him and they want to crown 768 00:27:40,920 --> 00:27:41,900 him as king. 769 00:27:42,359 --> 00:27:43,500 Now you can be sure 770 00:27:44,039 --> 00:27:46,859 that Herod's court was closely following Jesus, 771 00:27:47,160 --> 00:27:49,400 trying to determine whether or not he was 772 00:27:49,400 --> 00:27:50,460 to lead an insurrection. 773 00:27:51,704 --> 00:27:52,684 In Mark 6, 774 00:27:53,144 --> 00:27:55,224 Jesus saw a great crowd that was following 775 00:27:55,224 --> 00:27:57,704 him, looking to him in hope. And we 776 00:27:57,704 --> 00:28:00,184 read that Jesus has compassion on this crowd 777 00:28:00,184 --> 00:28:02,664 that was following him because they were like 778 00:28:02,664 --> 00:28:03,884 sheep without 779 00:28:04,265 --> 00:28:05,005 a shepherd. 780 00:28:06,110 --> 00:28:07,490 So you know what Jesus does? 781 00:28:08,430 --> 00:28:09,650 Jesus gathers them 782 00:28:10,350 --> 00:28:12,529 and he sits them down in green pastures 783 00:28:12,910 --> 00:28:14,670 and besides the waters of the Sea of 784 00:28:14,670 --> 00:28:15,170 Galilee. 785 00:28:16,110 --> 00:28:18,350 And he tends to their spiritual needs by 786 00:28:18,350 --> 00:28:19,250 teaching them. 787 00:28:19,644 --> 00:28:22,924 And then he miraculously, with just 5 loaves 788 00:28:22,924 --> 00:28:24,384 of bread and 2 fish, 789 00:28:24,765 --> 00:28:27,884 prepares a meal before them even in the 790 00:28:27,884 --> 00:28:29,025 presence of Pharisees 791 00:28:29,484 --> 00:28:30,785 and of Herod's spies. 792 00:28:31,849 --> 00:28:34,029 And they eat until they are satisfied. 793 00:28:34,570 --> 00:28:37,869 All 5,000 of them, their cup overflows. 794 00:28:39,450 --> 00:28:41,210 In John 10, Jesus tells us that he 795 00:28:41,210 --> 00:28:42,730 is the good shepherd who lays down his 796 00:28:42,730 --> 00:28:43,869 life for his sheep. 797 00:28:44,355 --> 00:28:47,154 In Hebrews 13 20, Jesus is called the 798 00:28:47,154 --> 00:28:48,615 great shepherd of the sheep. 799 00:28:49,234 --> 00:28:51,555 In 1st Peter 5:4, Jesus is called the 800 00:28:51,555 --> 00:28:52,615 chief shepherd. 801 00:28:53,315 --> 00:28:54,615 In Revelation 19, 802 00:28:55,154 --> 00:28:56,835 we read of the wedding supper of the 803 00:28:56,835 --> 00:28:57,335 lamb, 804 00:28:57,750 --> 00:28:59,849 where Christ will be the lavish host 805 00:29:00,309 --> 00:29:02,730 and where guests will lack nothing. 806 00:29:03,430 --> 00:29:04,710 But I leave you with the words of 807 00:29:04,710 --> 00:29:07,670 Revelation 7 verses 15 to 17 which present 808 00:29:07,670 --> 00:29:09,369 for us a picture of Psalm 23 809 00:29:09,829 --> 00:29:10,329 fulfilled. 810 00:29:10,984 --> 00:29:12,904 The Lamb of God, who is also the 811 00:29:12,904 --> 00:29:15,224 shepherd of the sheep and the great host 812 00:29:15,224 --> 00:29:16,125 of God's temple 813 00:29:16,424 --> 00:29:18,744 whose inhabitants lack nothing. Look at what we 814 00:29:18,744 --> 00:29:19,484 read there. 815 00:29:21,465 --> 00:29:23,805 Therefore, they are before the throne of God, 816 00:29:24,230 --> 00:29:26,809 and serve him day night in his temple. 817 00:29:27,509 --> 00:29:29,269 And he who sits on the throne will 818 00:29:29,269 --> 00:29:30,809 shelter them with his presence. 819 00:29:31,589 --> 00:29:33,210 They shall hunger no more, 820 00:29:33,670 --> 00:29:34,970 neither thirst anymore. 821 00:29:35,750 --> 00:29:38,390 The sun shall not strike them, nor any 822 00:29:38,390 --> 00:29:39,529 scorching heat. 823 00:29:40,095 --> 00:29:42,095 For the lamb, in the midst of the 824 00:29:42,095 --> 00:29:42,595 throne, 825 00:29:42,894 --> 00:29:44,194 will be their shepherd, 826 00:29:44,894 --> 00:29:47,054 and he will guide them to springs of 827 00:29:47,054 --> 00:29:47,954 living water. 828 00:29:48,632 --> 00:29:50,173 And God will wipe away 829 00:29:50,872 --> 00:29:51,852 every tear 830 00:29:52,153 --> 00:29:53,372 from their eyes. 831 00:29:53,752 --> 00:29:55,772 Beloved, Christ is the good shepherd. 832 00:29:56,313 --> 00:29:58,893 Is he your shepherd? Let's pray.