THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEP
I .-"THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD" (Psa_23:1).
1. Who is this Shepherd? "Jehovah." Who was, and is, and is to come The title occurs 7,600 times. Jehovah Rohi. "The Lord my Shepherd."
2. How He has become a Shepherd. "All have gone astray" (Isa_53:6). He came to seek and save the lost.
3. What He has done for the sheep
He has entered the door of the fold, Joh_10:2
He has given His life for the sheep, Joh_10:11
He has given His sheep eternal life, Joh_10:28
He has given them the proof of eternal security, Joh_10:29
4. Who are His sheep? It is characteristic of them that-
They hear His Voice, Joh_10:27
They knew Him, Joh_10:14
They follow Him, Joh_10:27
II.-"I SHALL NOT WANT" (Psa_23:1).
1. Who shall not want? He who can truly say, "The Lord is my Shepherd."
2. Why he shall not want.-Because the Lord is his Shepherd, and He is rich in possessions, wise in administration, strong to defend, and gracious to give.
3. What is it to be in want? It is to be like Belshazzar when weighed in the balance, Dan_5:27
It is to be like the Prodigal in the far country, Luk_15:14
It is to be like the Foolish Virgins without oil, Mat_25:8
It is to be like the rich man in hell, Luk_16:24
III.-"HE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN" (Psa_23:2). These words imply-
1. PLEASANT FEEDING. "Green pastures." The pastures of God’s Word are always fresh, tender, satisfying.
2. PEACEFUL RESTING. He maketh me to lie down. Resting implies not only satisfaction, but a conscious feeling of perfect security.
3. GENTLE CONSTRAINING. "He maketh me to lie down." What gracious compulsion His is.
4. PLEASANT WALKING. "Beside the still waters." ("Waters of quietness," marg.). The Scriptures of truth, the Lord’s day of rest, the sweet hour of prayer, etc.
5. FAITHFUL LEADING. "He leadeth me." He leads into the fulness of blessing. "My soul followeth hard after Thee" (Psa_63:8).
IV.-"HE RESTORETH MY SOUL" (Psa_23:3).
1. WHEN IS RESTORATION NEEDED?
When in a Weak and Fainting condition.
When in a Sinful and Backsliding state.
2. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BACKSLIDING?
Following afar off, through fear or shame.
Discontent and Restlessness with the leading of God.
Growing disregard for the fellowship of saints.
Secret neglect of His "green pastures" and preference for the thoughts of men.
3. HOW IS RESTORATION EFFECTED? "He restoreth."
By the Shepherd’s look, Luk_22:61
By the Shepherd’s crook, Psa_119:67
V.-"HE LEADETH ME, FOR HIS OWN NAME’S SAKE (Psa_23:3).
1. THE LEADER. "He leadeth"-
By the Word of His mouth.
By the Example of His Life.
By the Promptings of His Spirit.
2. THE LED. "He leadeth Me."
Because my eye is on Him.
Because I believe in Him.
Because I yield to Him.
3. THE PATHS. "Paths of Righteousness (Right-ness).
Into the path of Peace.
Into the path of Prayer.
Into the path of Power.
4. THE PURPOSE OF HIS LEADING. "For His own Name’s sake."
For the Sake of His Word.
For the Sake of His Work.
For the Sake of His Will.
VI.-"I WILL FEAR NO EVIL" (Psa_23:4).
1. TESTING EXPERIENCE. "The valley of the shadow of death."
The valley of temporal Adversity.
The valley of severe bodily or family Affliction.
The valley of bitter persecution.
2. BLESSED ASSURANCE. "I will fear no evil."
I will fear no evil place………………………… World
I will fear no evil thing ………………………… Flesh
I will fear no evil one…………………………… Devil
3. JOYFUL TESTIMONY. "Thou art with Me."
Thou art with me as the Way.
Thou art with me as the Truth.
Thou art with me as the Life.
VII.-"THEY COMFORT ME" (Psa_23:4).
The "Rod and Staff" comfort because they are His and they are His all the way.
1. THE COMFORT OF HIS ROD (CLUB).
It was their Weapon of defence against the enemy.
It was the Breaker up of their way among thorns and briars.
2. THE COMFORT OF HIS STAFF (CROOK).
With it they were rescued from danger.
Under it they were numbered for safety.
The rod and the staff are emblems of the Power of the Spirit, and the assuring character of His Word.
VIII.-"THOU PREPAREST A TABLE BE FORE ME" (Psa_23:5).
1. WHAT? "Thou preparest a table." A table tells of forethought and fellowship.
2. WHO? "Thou preparest." This preparation is perfectly consistent with His character.
3. WHERE? "In the presence of mine enemies." Shepherds sometimes cut down branches to feed the flock.
4. FOR WHOM? "Before me." Personal experience of His special care.
IX.-"THOU ANOINTEST MY HEAD, MY CUP RUNNETH OVER" (Psa_23:5).
There is a vital connection between the anointed head and the overflowing cup.
1. THE ANOINTED HEAD. (Oil a symbol of the Holy Spirit)-
Is a sign of man’s separation unto God. It is the Seal of God’s Consecration (filling) of man, for His Service.
2. THE OVERFLOWING CUP. The overflowing Cup is the result of the overflowing oil.
It means a life of abounding satisfaction, "running over."
It means of Life of Blessing for others. The overflow is not waste, but for the salvation of others.
It means a Life of Joyful Testimony. "My cup runneth over." No wonder when "the Lord is the portion of my cup."
X. – "SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME" (Psa_23:6).
When we can say, "He leadeth me," we may confidently say, "Goodness and Mercy shall follow me."
1. THE PILGRIM’S ATTENDANTS.
"Goodness" to gather up the precious results of our lives.
"Mercy" to cleanse and forgive the faults and its failings.
2. THE PILGRIM’S CONSOLATION. "All the days of my life."
All the dark and stormy days. All the bright and fruitful days.
3. THE PILGRIM’S HOME. "The House of the Lord."
The house that has been prepared by the Lord.
The house where the Lord Himself dwells.
Time is but the dressing-room of Eternity.
4. THE PILGRIM’S CONFIDENCE. "I will dwell in the House of the Lord for ever."
He knows Him in whom he has believed.
He believes and expects what He has promised.
Autor: James Smith