Jehovah Rohi- The Lord Is My Shepherd Series

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Jehovah Rohi – Ps. 23

Intro: The 23rd Psalm is possibly the most beloved passage in the Bible. Spurgeon called it, the pearl of the psalms. Millions have memorized these few words penned by the shepherd king – David. Ministers have recited them at weddings, baptisms, and funerals to offer words of comfort, hope, peace, and protection.

Quote: The world could spare many a large book better than this sunny little psalm. It has dried many tears and supplied the mould into which many hearts have poured their peaceful faith. Alexander Maclaren

Trans: As we continue our study of God’s name, this psalm intro to us the tenderest of God’s name – Jehovah Rohi – The Lord is my Shepherd. (Read Ps. 23:1-6) In this psalm we find the name and the meaning of Jehovah Rohi.

I The DECLARATION of His Name

Verse: The Lord is my Shepherd…

Quote: Faith is a matter of personal pronouns. Martin Luther

Trans: The LORD is my Shepherd. (Declaration of God’s Role)

The Lord is MY Shepherd. (Statement of our Relationship)

The Lord is my SHEPHERD. (Testimony of God’s Responsibility)

Quote: The 23rd Psalm is a masterpiece throughout. But if ever a psalm could stand on a single line or phrase, it is this one – the Lord is my Shepherd. Boice

Trans: If anyone understood what it meant to be a shepherd it was David. Having tended sheep himself, he understood the responsibility, sacrifice, and value of making provision, pasturing, and protecting these fragile animals.

Note: We too are sheep in need of a shepherd. We’re fragile, directionless, hopeless, good-for-nothing sheep – if left to ourselves will destroy ourselves. (say Bah!)

A He is my PROPITIATION

Trans: The 1st item to settle is whether Jehovah is “a” shepherd or “my” shepherd.

Verse: As of us like sheep have gone astray. Each has turned to his own way, but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall upon Him. Is. 53:6

Trans: We are all sinners and b/c of our sin God sent His only Son – that whosoever would believe in Him would not perish but would have eternal life. God placed the punishment of our sin upon the Good Shepherd – Jesus. That is what the cross is all about. It is God’s only means to rescue his creation from their sin.

Verse: I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.

Note: Jesus willingly surrendered his life on our behalf b/c there was no other way. He died in our place (see Romans 5:8). But not as a martyr or b/c he was murdered – but b/c He willingly took our place as our substitute as the required payment for the penalty of our sins.

Quote: It cost God nothing, as far as we know, to create nice things, but to convert our rebellious wills, it cost Him crucifixion. C.S. Lewis

Note: Is God just “A” shepherd or is He “YOUR” Shepherd?

B He is my PASTOR

Note: As we will see in a moment – as my pastor, the Good Shepherd provides for me, He nurtures me, He guides me, He protects me, and He blesses me.

Point: Jesus doesn’t just want to be you Savior He also wants to be your Lord. He doesn’t just want to eternal life He also wants to give you an abundant life. Thus, He has chosen to place you in his flock under His watchful care. Due to His gracious nature, He promises to meet us at the point of our need.

II The DISTRIBUTION of His Nature

Verse: I shall not be in want.

Note: God is the all-sufficient, all-knowing, all-powerful Shepherd – we lack nothing.

Note: Truth is if left to themselves, sheep lack everything. They’re the most helpless animals on the planet – and we too have great need. But w/ Jehovah as our shepherd – He’s able to provide for all things in all situations.

A I shall not lack PROVISION

Verse: He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside quiet waters.

Note: Phillip Keller says that sheep do not lie down easily. It’s almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless 4 requirements are met.

1 Free of FEAR They must feel safe

2 Free of FRICTION They must feel accepted

3 Free of FLIES They must be free of pestilence

4 Free of FAMINE They must be filled w/ food

Note: Only a shepherd can meet these requirements providing peace, acceptance, deliverance, and pasture.

Note: Are we not the same. Don’t we long to live in peace, community, freedom, and plenty? We need someone to provide for our needs to sustain us.

Verse: My God shall supply your needs according to His riches in glory. Ph. 4:19