Shepherd

Shepherd

EX:  Thru the years-families tend to celebrate the holidays in basically the same ways—for generations

Do something a little less traditional this Christmas with the Sunday’s leading to Christmas Day!  Use the very familiar Psalm 23 in comparison with the birth of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 23

   -Psalm by David-shepherd became king

   -never intent of doing anything but what the Lord leads

   -many psalms are complaints, but here blessings!!

   -“Using the images of a shepherd & gracious host, David

   reflected on the many benefits the Lord gave him in the

   dangers of life, and concluded that God’s persistent,

   loving protection would restore him to full communion.”

   v. 1—The Lord = “Jehovah” the name of God—unspoken

   -making no mistake of any other!

   -“is my shepherd” = notice that he knows this to be true

     -“Rohi” = shepherd

   -“I shall not want”—no need of anything—big or small

   -David had been a shepherd--in every sense of the job

   -Messiah prophesied about like a shepherd -Isaiah 40:11

   -Jesus called Himself a shepherd:

   John 10:14—the good shepherd

   -NT writers talk of Jesus as Shepherd—I Peter 5:4

Benefits From The Shepherd:

1.      Nourishment

   v.2-Makes me lie down—sheep aren’t smart enough alone

   -in green pastures—His provision is sufficient

   Philippians 4:19—My God supplies all needs thru Jesus

   -leads beside quiet waters—sheep will drink from these

   -one who follows the Lord doesn’t lack anything

   I Peter 2:2—Word is food source for believers

2.     Restoration

   -He restores my soul—nothing greater

   -forgiveness & peace for those who follow the Lord

3.     Guidance

   -guides in paths of righteousness—a good shepherd does

   -leads on the right paths & sheep follow behind-trust

   -He doesn’t lose any of His own

   -for His name’s sake—His name is staked on it

   -it is who He is no matter what

Jesus came to earth to show us the right way, but it is up to us to follow Him to the Heavenly Father.  When we do, we also receive nourishment, restoration, & guidance in this life and preparation for eternal life—This Christmas quit trying to do everything the way you have always done it before, unless the Lord is at the center of it all!