Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6 (ESV) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Goodness + Mercy
Goodness Psalm 119:68 (NLT): You are good and do only good.
Mercy
MERCY: A continual flow of undeserved loving expressions and Affection. Even in reaction to the opposite of treatments.
“In Christ, before the throne of perfect justice, we get perfect mercy.” “Mercy is a Man.”
He is KIND. John 10:10–11 (NIV) 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Psalm 34:10(NLT) Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing.
“The only fruit that will come out of force is frustration.”
“Will follow me!”
“Goodness and mercy follow those who follow him.”
“Those of the golden hooves”
We Bring Goodness
We Bring Mercy
All the days of my life
Psalm 1:3 (NLT) They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
Mark 11:12-14 (NLT) Jesus was hungry. He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it.
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
John 15:4-5 (NLT) Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:5 (ESV) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Preparing a table
Song of Songs 2:4(NLT) He escorts me to the banquet hall; it’s obvious how much he loves me.
Psalm 34:10(NLT) Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing.
“Eating what the Lord Provides”
In the presence of my enemies
“At his table, we feast while He fights.”
“You anoint my head with oil...”
1. The Oil is for healing
Acts 10:38 (NLT) God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
1 Peter 2:24 (NIV) …By his wounds you have been healed.
2. The Oil is for De-bugging
3. The Oil produces gladness of heart Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) To provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
4. The Oil is fragrant 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NKJV) For we are to God the fragrance of Christ.
Luke 4:18(NLT) The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring “Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.”
“My cup overflows.”
“When the oil flows, the mundane becomes ministry, The ordinary becomes ordinary, and the natural becomes supernatural.”
Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:4 (ESV)Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The valley of the shadow of death
ROD+STAFF
The Rod: Authority The Word 1. Protection 1 Samuel 17:32–37 (NIV) 32 David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him." 33 Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth." 34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you."
"We are comforted by the fact not that just that God is all powerful but that we share enemies!"
2. Examination + Identification Ezekiel 20:37(NIV) I will take note of you as you pass under my rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.
___ "The Rod of Correction" ___
The Staff: Guidance/ Leadership
The Leadership of the Holy Spirit
1 Samuel 17:40 (NLT) He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd's bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd's staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.
1. Visibility "The Holy Spirit makes Jesus visible." John 14:26 (NIV) The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
2. Drawing
John 6:44 (NIV) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…
3. Guiding
John 16:13 (NLT): When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. Romans 8:14 (NLT) For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
4. Rescuing
Isaiah 43:1-3 (NLT) Listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:3 (ESV) He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
How is your soul?
Psalm 43:5(NIV) Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
“There is a difference between being discouraged, a season of discouragement, and a spirit of discouragement.”
The Down Cast Soul
“You are not how you feel.”
1. Disappointed
Proverbs 13:12(NIV) Hope deferred makes the heart sick...
2. Discouraged
3. Depressed
“There is hope, and you can overcome.”
4. Disoriented “He Restores My Soul…”
“He guides me in paths of righteousness.” A. Positional Righteousness 2 Corinthians 5:21(NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. B. Paths of Righteousness
“For His name sake.” “If you are His, His name is on the line.”
Staying “up” Psalm 16:7–11 (NIV) I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the grave,nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
2. Lead your soul - lead yourself
1 Samuel 30:6(NIV) David strenghtened/encouraged himself in the Lord.
Get into the word.
Speak to your soul.
Psalm 43:5(NIV) Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Sing out!
“Choose Joy. “
2. Live close to the Good Shepherd
3. Stay in the flock
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) 24 Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Exodus 14:10-16 (NIV) 10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. 11 They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" 13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm, and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." 15 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. 16 Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.
Psalms 23:2(ESV) He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
Ezekiel 34:14-15 (NLT) 14 Yes, I will give them good pastureland on the high hills of Israel. There, they will lie down in pleasant places and feed in the lush pastures of the hills. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign LORD.
The Conditions for sheep to rest. 1. Free from Fear
Luke 12:32 (NLT) “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
2. Free from Friction
“Only lost sheep travel alone.”
3. Free from Pests
4. Free from Hunger
"We eat and rest in the same place!”
He leads me beside quiet waters…. Isaiah 43:18-19(NV) Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
“Our Good Shepherd leads us to himself for refreshing.”
John 4:14 (NIV) Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
___
Acts 3:19–20 (NLT) 19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.
Matthew 11:29(NLT) Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV) 1 The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
David understood shepherding:
Leading
Feeding
Protecting
David Understood sheep:
Sheep are productive and valuable.
Sheep cannot provide for themselves.
Sheep are defenseless.
Sheep are feebleminded.
Sheep need Shepherds.
“The livelihood of a sheep is contingent upon the care of a shepherd; it is the only context in which they are useful.”
David recognized HIS need for a shepherd…. “The LORD is my Shepherd... THE LORD: YHWH YHWH-ROHI
Colossians 1:16–17 (NLT)...16 Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.
1 Peter 2:25 (NLT) Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.
Jesus, The Good Shepherd John 10:1–10 (NIV) 1 “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the Shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. 7 Therefore, Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
When The Lord is My Shepherd: 1. Friendship/ Fellowship John 10:14(NIV) I know my own sheep, and they know me.
John 10:27 (NIV) My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
2. Leadership/ Follow-ship “Fellowship begets fellowship.” “The livelihood of a sheep is contingent upon his ability to follow his shepherd.”
“The Good Shepherd is better at leading you than you are at leading you.”
The result: Abiding in Abundance I shall not be in want… I shall not be in lack. John 10:9,10(NIV) I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Matthew 9:35-36(NIV) 35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.…
John 5:17 (NLT) “My Father is always working, and so am I.”
John 10:15 (NIV) I lay down my life for the sheep.
