"The Sovereign's Sufficiency"
Psalm 23:1-6
Psalms 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Introduction: Have you heard the news? We are living in very unsettled times! At least that is what we are hearing from almost every media outlet, political commentator and pundit. It is also no coincidence that our culture is filled with people who are unhappy, stressed out, worried and unsettled. Someone said that: "Anxiety is the rust of life, destroying its brightness and weakening its power. A childlike and abiding trust in Providence is the best preventive and remedy." Because the times and people are so unsettled it is good to know that there is someone we can turn to for help and hope. "Of the 150 psalms, none has been read, sung, quoted from and written about more than the pearl of the psalms - psalm 23. All through the ages the language of this psalm has been precious to the hearts of God's children. Augustine called psalm 23, the "hymn of the Martyrs," because countless numbers of them have quoted this passage as they perished for Christ's sake. Why has psalm 23 been a favorite of God's people for so many generations? Perhaps because it reminds us of a comforting truth, which, though profound, is often forgotten by too many of us. That truth is this: Our Savior is sufficient for our every need! The theme of psalm 23 is the sufficiency of our Savior. This theme is stated in the first verse, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." In verse 1, David makes a declaration concerning the Savior's sufficiency to meet the believer's every need, then in verses 2-5, we find an amplification of this great truth, followed in verse 6 with a summation of all he has said before." Quote from Dave McFadden
What can we learn from this wonderful Psalm? First, David declares that God is:
I. Our Provider
a. The Sovereign
The word Lord used by David is the covenant keeping name for God, Jehovah. It literally means "he that keeps covenant."
FAITHFUL FOR A PROMISE
A promise from God is a statement we can depend on with absolute confidence. Here are 12 promises for the Christian to claim.
God's presence -- "I will never leave thee" (Heb. 13:5)
God's protection -- "I am thy shield" (Gen. 15:1)
God's power -- "I will strengthen thee" (Isa. 41:10)
God's provision -- "I will help thee" (Isa. 41:10)
God's leading -- "And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them" (John 10:4)
God's purposes -- "I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil" (Jer. 20:11)
God's rest -- "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28)
God's cleansing -- "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)
God's goodness -- "No good thing will He withhold from them that work uprightly" (Psalm 84:11)
God's faithfulness -- "The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name's sake" (1 Sam. 12:22)
God's guidance -- "The meek will He guide" (Psalm 25:9)
God's wise plan -- "All things work together for good to them that love God" (Rom. 8:28)
SOURCE: Our Daily Bread, January 1, 1985.
b. The Shepherd
The word "shepherd" is one of the richest words found in Scripture. David and his readers were certainly familiar with this occupation and even in our Lord's time it was still a very common vocation. It was the shepherds who attended Jesus birth and in the NT we have Jesus referred to as the "great" shepherd, the "chief" shepherd and the Lord declares that he is the "good" shepherd who "gives his life for the sheep. It is this latter designation that lends itself to our text today for the Lord is a "good" shepherd indeed.
John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
c. The Supplier
There is another compound for God that David would have been familiar with that was used by Abraham when he was called to offer his son Isaac to the Lord in sacrifice.
Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
The name "God" that is used is Jehovah Jirah which is translated "the Lord will provide."
1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers
II. Our Provision
The last phrase in verse 1 is translated "I shall not lack!"
Psalms 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
He the Hebrew the shepherd and pastor are interchangeable. We could say that "the Lord is my pastor!" What a wonderful thought that is! But my friend it gets even better for in the Hebrew language the word "friend" has the same etymology as shepherd, so I can also say that the Lord is my friend!
a. The Shepherd friends us
One of the things that I think explains the popularity of FB and other social media is the "friend" aspect. To be able to connect with friends now and from our past is meeting a need that is very appealing. Do you need a friend this morning? Well let me tell you that God will be your friend and better still you can be His friend. "What a fellowship, what a joy divine!" Just think of it!
Exodus 33:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend...
Isaiah 41:8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear...
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer...
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge--
Take it to the Lord in prayer...
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer--
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
ILL - Some years ago at a drawing-room function, one of England's leading actors was asked to recite for the pleasure of his fellow guests. He consented and asked if there was anything special that his audience would like to hear. After a moment's pause, an old clergyman present said: "Could you, sir, recite to us the Twenty-third Psalm?" A strange look passed over the actor's face; he paused for a moment, and then said: "I can, and I will, upon one condition; and that is that after I have recited it, you, my friend, will do the same." "I," said the clergyman, in surprise. "But I am not an elocutionist. However, you wish it, I will do so." Impressively, the great actor began the psalm. His voice and his intonation were perfect. He held his audience spellbound; and as he finished, a great burst of applause broke from the guests. Then, as it died away, the old clergyman arose and began the psalm. His voice was not remarkable; his intonation was not faultless. When he had finished, no sound of applause broke the silence, but there was not a dry eye in the room, and many heads were bowed. Then the actor rose to his feet again. His voice shook as he laid his hand upon the shoulder of the old clergyman and said: "I reached your eyes and ears, my friends; he reached your hearts. The difference is just this: I know the Twenty-third Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd."
(from "The War Cry")
b. The Shepherd feeds us
"He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters, He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
This speaks of His providential care. The verbs suggest an active governance and superintendence of our lives. He makes me to lie down. Too many people try to get rest from other means than from the Lord, the good shepherd. We can praise God that he provides peace that passes understanding as we refuse to give in to anxious or worried feelings but in everything by prayer and supplication make our requests known to God. Then the peace of God that passes understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. "You can only be blessed and have peace and sweet rest when you yield him your body and soul." The Shepherd always leads the sheep to a place where they have plenty to feed upon. We will never lack the financial, physical or spiritual supplies that are necessary to complete His will for our lives. His "green pastures" and "still waters" provide us with everything that is necessary for life and godliness. David wrote, "I have been young and I am old and I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging for bread." Be willing to give more of what you have realizing the shepherd promises, "Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, it will be given to you." Luke 6:38 His gracious provision "restores us and revives us!
Many people suffer lack because they do not have a generous soul. Paul wrote, "He who sows sparingly, will also reap sparingly. But he who sows bountifully, will also reap bountifully."
Some of you here this morning just can't figure out why you can't "get ahead." You just cannot figure out why you are always struggling financially. Your hear others speak of God's provision but you don't seem to have it but the answer is simple.
Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?
If you are not faithful in "...that which is least..." how can God give you more?
If you have not been faithful in "...the unrighteous mammon..." how can He trust you with true riches?
If you have not been faithful in "...that which is another man's..." how can He give you your own?
Ill: John Wesley's father, Samuel, was a dedicated pastor, but there were those in his parish who did not like him. On February 9, 1709, a fire broke out in the rectory at Epworth, possibly set by one of the rector's enemies. Young John, not yet six years old, was stranded on an upper floor of the building. Two neighbors rescued the lad just seconds before the roof crashed in. One neighbor stood on the other's shoulders and pulled young John through the window. Samuel Wesley said, "Come, neighbors, let us kneel down. Let us give thanks to God. He has given me all my eight children. Let the house go. I am rich enough." John Wesley often referred to himself as a "brand plucked out of the fire" (Zech 3:2; Amos 4:11). In later years he often noted February 9 in his journal and gave thanks to God for His mercy. Samuel Wesley labored for 40 years at Epworth and saw very little fruit; but consider what his family accomplished!
W. Wiersbe, Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching and Preachers, Moody Press, 1984, p. 251.
c. The Shepherd fends for us
How does the shepherd fend for the sheep? Bro. Rob Morgan said that sheep are "nerdy and needy" and someone else said that they have no "fight, flight or bite!" This is all very true and because it is true we need a champion, a defender, someone who will protect the sheep. Who is the champion of the sheep.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
In verses 4-5a David speaks of his enemies of the sheep. David slew a lion and a bear but he couldn't handle the "grim reaper".
Psalms 55:4 My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Death is the last enemy:
1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Jesus has conquered death and because he has we can sing:
1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Psalms 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
III. Our Peace
a. The Fullness now (5b)
David expresses his gratitude to God for three things in verse 5 that God has provided in abundance: A banquet table full of food, an anointing with oil that signifies God's blessing and a cup that overflows with blessings.
Every time that I read this 5th verse I am reminded of a poem I read years ago entitled:
Drinking From The Saucer by John Paul Moore
I've never made a fortune,
And I'll never make one now
But it really doesn't matter
'Cause I'm happy anyhow
As I go along my journey
I'm reaping better than I've sowed
I'm drinking from the saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed
I don't have a lot of riches,
And sometimes the going's tough
But with kin and friends to love me
I think I'm rich enough
I thank God for the blessings
That His mercy has bestowed
I'm drinking from the saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed
He gives me strength and courage
When the way grows steep and rough
I'll not ask for other blessings for
I'm already blessed enough
May we never be too busy
To help bear another's load
Then we'll all be drinking from the saucer
When our cups have overflowed
b. The Favor now
Surely! "What a great word. Not maybe, perhaps, possibly or hopefully. It is a certainty. No guess work, no doubts, no wondering, no hesitation, no question marks - absolutely without a doubt. When we go through times of confusion, discouragement and depression we can be sure that means we can be secure. We only become insecure when we forget how much God loves us. When the Lord is your shepherd He is for you."
That brings us to verse 6 where David's praise for God's sufficiency in all things rises to a crescendo. David is confident that God's blessings will follow him "...all the days of my life..." The children of Israel knew this kind of provision with manna from heaven, plenty of quail to eat and water in a dry and thirsty land. Paul tells the Corinthians that:
1 Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
"The Hebrew verb really means "to pursue." God is actively pursuing me with His grace and His lovingkindness. What a God! He's not in hiding. He is always seeking out His children. What does your God look like? Some of us believe in God, but He's distant, reluctant, uninvolved. J.B. Phillips has reminded us in his provocative little book that often Your God Is Too Small. The problem for many of us is not atheism. It's that our "theism" is too limited.
To have a life worth living we need a God worth serving. When Paul wrote his second letter to young Timothy, he shared a God that was big enough for the storms and stresses of life: "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2 Timothy 1:12). Quote from Charles B. Bugg
c. The Forever later
Forever! The promise of God's presence is for now and forever. "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
The concept of eternal life in the Old Testament is not as developed as in the New Testament. But the psalmist senses that the power of God he serves does not end at the grave. Down the long corridor of life the Psalmist looks and shouts the good news that death is not a dead-end but a door.
Nothing brought more joy to the Israelites than to worship in God's House. But imagine the joy of those of us with faith in Jesus Christ. The end is only the beginning! "We shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Conclusion: A child was telling the story of Enoch's walk with God. "The man walked and walked and walked and when it became dark God said, 'Enoch you are nearer my home than yours so you should come in with me.'" And Enoch did. The end is only the beginning. We trade our earthly home for a house not made with human hands. No wonder the great Apostle exclaimed, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" Philippians 1:21
Quote from Charles B. Bugg
ILL - Steve McQueen was a top billing actor who lead a life as tough as the ones he portrayed on the screen. Success filled his life until alcohol and a failed marriage left him empty. In his despair he attended a crusade led by one of Billy Graham's associates. McQueen made a profession of faith and requested an opportunity to speak with Billy Graham. A connecting flight in Los Angeles allowed Dr. Graham to spend a couple of hours with Mr. McQueen in the actor's limousine. Dr Graham shared numerous scriptures in his quest to give spiritual hope and assurance. Steve McQueen struggled with the thought of God giving eternal life to a man who had such a checkered past.
In Titus 1:2, however, he found a promise that spoke to him - "the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago" He requested something to write down the verse, but Billy Graham gave McQueen his Bible instead. Later, Steve McQueen died in Mexico while seeking experimental treatment for his terminal cancer. He passed into eternity with his Bible opened to Titus 1 and his finger resting on verse 2. Regardless of our past, we have the assurance of our eternal salvation because of God's Word.
