01. Gentle Shepherd Series

Psalm 23 – Time to renew it’s memory

A famous actor was an after dinner speaker at a big function and when he stood up to speak, he invited his audience to choose a poem for him to recite.

There was a long silence until a retired clergyman raised his hand and asked for Psalm 23.

The actor was slightly taken back, but agreed to do so provided the clergyman would recite it after him, which the clergyman reluctantly agreed to do.

The actor recited Psalm 23 and received a standing ovation. When the clergyman recited the Psalm, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

The actor came over to the clergyman and said in front of all the guests. "Do you know the difference between his version and my version. I know the 23rd Psalm but he knows the Shepherd"

- More than 70 Psalms are by David

- The Psalmist spoke of God as my rock, my strength, my refuge and my salvation.

Called the Psalm of Psalms

- The most-loved, most-memorized, and most-repeated piece of writing in the entire Bible

- Six verses – 127 Words

- 110 are one syllable words (17)

- The Shepherd wants to be understood

- Personal pronouns – Me, My, I = 16x

- It begins and ends with “the LORD”

- Full of imagery – Sheep & the Shepherd

Shepherds haven’t changed much

- Sheep have changed less

- The Lord hasn’t changed at all

- When was this written? As a Boy? Warrior? King?

- Picture often given as serene pastoral setting

- Here amid conflict & struggle

Contrast Conflict & Struggle With Serene & Pastoral

v.1 Want vrs. v.1 Shepherd

v.3 Restoration vrs. v.2 Green Pastures

v.4 Shadow of death vrs. v.2 Still Waters

v.4 Fear & Evil vrs. v.3 Paths

v.5 Enemies vrs. v.4 Valley

v.5 Anointing head with oil vrs. v.4 Rod & Staff

Relate To the Shepherd

- The presence or absence of Praise is the pivotal in any situation

- Recognize as a sheep we are defenseless

- Note it is the sheep that is speaking of his assurance of his shepherd

It is Christ that supplies every need

Ps 100:3

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Ps 95:7

7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

Deals with facets of life

• Wants & needs we lack

• Rest & Relaxation

• Food & Drink

• Contentment & Peace

• Friendship & Acceptance

• Loneliness & Overcoming Fear

• Joy & Sadness

• Loss & Bereavement

• Conflict & Celebration

• Making Good Choices & Doing right

- It is one thing to believe the Lord is “a” shepherd. “Like a” shepherd, “Good” Shepherd, “the” Shepherd, but to say He is “MY” Shepherd

- Read it slowly for meaning

- Read it prayerfully for guidance

Allow the Lord To Be MY Shepherd

The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship!

I shall not want = That's Satisfaction!

He maketh me to lie down = That's Rest!

In green pastures = That’s Renewal

He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul = That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance!

For His name sake = That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That's Testing!

I will fear no evil = That's Protection!

For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness!

Thy rod = That’s protection

And Thy staff they comfort me = That's Care

Thou preparest a table before me = That’s Provision

in the presence of mine enemies = That's Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil = That's Consecration!

My cup runneth over = That's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security!

Forever = That's Eternity!