The Good Shepherd | August 6, 2023

Brian Priebe | Executive Pastor

Psalm 23 (NIV)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

Psalm 23 unpacks what role the Lord as my Shepherd has in my life:
• Makes me lack nothing – makes me content, provides for my needs
• Makes me lie down – makes me do stuff I don’t want to do
• Leads me & guides me – knows and plans my path
• Refreshes my soul – lifts me up when I’m worn down
• Comforts me – knows my pain and struggle
• Prepares a table for me – he’s with me in the midst of daily life
• Anoints me – I have his favor, he cares for me
• Follows me & Dwells with me forever – his presence is near

“It’s not the strength of your faith, but the object of your faith that actually saves you.”
— Tim Keller “The Reason for God”

Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Our Shepherd doesn’t only take us on the mountain tops. When we are in even the darkest valley’s, he is with us. His hand is on our shoulder. He is our guide, our comforter, our leader, our Shepherd and therefore we do not fear the evil surrounding us as He is in control.

John 10: 14-15 (ESV)
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Reflection questions:

1. What do you think about when you hear the phrase, "the Lord is my Shepherd”?
2. Read Psalm 23. What are the characteristics of the Shepherd?
3. What are the characteristics of the sheep?
4. What other passages come to mind when you think about sheep and shepherds in the New Testament?

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Notes Page: https://journeyweb.net/sermons/notes/2023.08.06.pdf