The Wonder of this Psalm
Who gives them a thought?
In this world that follows celebrity likes idols, it is the rich and famous that catch our attention
I mean… how many of us thinks looking after sheep is a high and noble career?
So what is so special about shepherds?
Our text today is sometimes referred to as the ‘Shepherd Psalm’
One writer has said of this psalm…
“It is for parents who survive the folly of rebellious children, for people returning from war, for someone recently out of jail.
It is a Psalm of God’s strength and grace for all ages”.
Today we want to know in a heartfelt way, what it means that God is our Shepherd and Jesus is the Great Shepherd of His sheep.
- GOD THE SHEPHERD
- GOD KNOWN THROUGH JESUS THE GREAT SHEPHERD
- THE LORD MY SHEPHERD
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Readings
Isaiah 61:1–3 (NIV84)
1The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
3and 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. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Luke 4:14–21 (NIV84)
14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.
17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him,
21and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Text
Psalm 23 (NIV84)
A psalm of David.
1The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4Even 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.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
