Psalm 23, our text for today, is incredibly famous – maybe one of the best-known Bible passages besides John 3:16. It's written in a way that feels poetic and musical. But more importantly, it's a source of great comfort. People often read Psalm 23 when they feel desperate, depressed, or distant from God. It provides hope and encouragement by reminding them powerfully that God is always near.
We all know Psalm 23 brings hope during tough times. But it's more than that – it teaches us important things for our church life. This is really relevant as we honor our pastors today. David wrote this psalm. He started as a shepherd, and scholars believe he wrote this looking back on that time, probably when he was king. He seems to be remembering his shepherding days and thinking about how God taught him what a good leader should be, just like a good shepherd cares for sheep. What David learned from God's example offers guidance for pastors and for everyone in the church.
David starts the psalm strong: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" – basically, God provides everything he needs! The first big takeaway God showed me here is a message for the pastor and any other Pastor that may be listening: LEAD LIKE THE BEST OF THEM. Pastor it can be tough not to wrestle with feelings of inadequacy. It can be even harder not to develop a disease called comparisonitis when you see other ministries "blowing up" and you and your church can’t seem to catch a break. Yes, strive to improve, but don't let pressure push you to imitate someone else. Remember pastor the first lesson for pastors is LEAD LIKE THE BEST OF THEM not like the rest of them.
But again, this point has two sides – one for the pastor and one for the people. For the congregation, you have to avoid the trap of comparing your pastor to others, which can lead to taking them for granted and not honoring them the way the bible says they should be honored.( Hebrews 13:17) It's fine to want improvement, but pressuring your leader to copy someone else can create undo stress and depression. Other pastors aren't the model – JESUS is! (John 10:11) Pastor remember, “YOU’RE NOT FOR EVERYBODY BUT YOU ARE FOR THIS BODY!”
People of God, remember “YOUR PASTOR IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY, BUT THEY ARE FOR THIS BODY!”"
The next instruction he showed me from the text is (He makes me lie down in green pastures), KNOW WHEN TO MOVE AND KNOW WHEN TO REST. Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is an ordained season for everything. Pastor, this applies directly to you and your leadership. It means you need to recognize and understand the specific season your church is in right now. Don't feel pressured by expectations—either your own or others'—to push forward with big plans or make major decisions if it's truly a season for resting, consolidating, or waiting on God's timing.
For the congregation, this idea connects to listening and following your leader's guidance. The message here is: Don't be so caught up in your own activities or thoughts that you miss, minimize, or ignore the direction your shepherd (your pastor) is providing. It might be easy sometimes to just see your pastor as a regular person, just like you. But God calls us to see their role differently. Remember what God promised in Jeremiah 3:15 “‘And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.’” God places leaders in the church specifically to guide and nourish you with wisdom. There will be a lot of “life things” that will come to drown out the voice of God through your Pastor but you have to be intentional about recognizing and following your pastor’s voice as he/she follows Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Pastor, the profound truth in "He restores my soul" speaks directly to the core of your calling. Ministry, while deeply rewarding, can also be incredibly draining. The constant giving, the weight of shepherding, the emotional investment in your congregation – all of this can take a toll on your spirit. This verse is a powerful reminder that even the shepherd needs to be restored.
God doesn't just call you to lead others to still waters; He promises to lead you there as well. Allow Him to replenish your wellspring. Embrace practices of Sabbath, prayer, and solitude, not as luxuries, but as essential rhythms for your soul's health. Recognize your limits and don't equate busyness with spiritual vitality. A restored soul allows you to lead from a place of genuine strength and overflow, rather than depletion. Your own spiritual well-being is not separate from your ministry; it is foundational to it. When you are restored, you can more effectively guide others to that same restoration in Christ.
To the church: recognize that the pastor, as the shepherd, also needs the same Divine restoration you do. While they are leading you to spaces of restoration, extend grace, offer encouragement, and pray for their spiritual well-being. A healthy shepherd, continually restored by the Chief Shepherd, is better equipped to lead you down the right paths.
(Leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake... yea though I walk through the valley- for you ae with me.)The right path will not always be comfortable. Sometimes, the right path will take you through some valleys.
To the people: DON'T CAMP IN WHAT GOD CALLED YOU TO COME THROUGH! Follow your shepherd’s lead with faith and obedience. When your pastor is urging you to keep walking—walk with him/her. Don’t drag your feet in disobedience or discourage others by dwelling in doubt.
Pastor, you’ve walked through valleys not just for yourself—but for your people. You have fought battles nobody saw. You stood with grieving families. You showed up when it wasn’t convenient. You’ve prayed them through hospital rooms- Valleys; Counseled them through heartbreak, Valleys. Stood when others crumbled. That’s why this day matters. You have proven that they don't have to fear Because you’ve done what only real shepherds do—you stayed. (I will fear no evil - because you are with me)
Here is your instruction, Pastor, stick with them in the valley, fight for them in the valley.. BUT DON"T LET THEM GET STUCK IN THE VALLEY!
(You prepare a table before me)
To the people, pastoring is already tough, don't make it harder for him/her. If the table is prepared why not be at the table when it's time to eat?
To the pastor: Some people didn’t think you’d last this long. Some walked away while you stayed faithful. Some tried to silence your voice. Some may have scandalized your name. But I came today to declare that the reason why you are still here is because God kept setting tables!
And as you celebrate another year hear the word of the Lord, "He's going to keep setting tables for you! Tables of revelation, tables of provision, tables of promotion.
(You anoint my head with oil)
To the Congregation: In ancient times the shepherd would anoint the sheep's head with oil (particularly near the eyes, ears and nose) so parasites could not get in and infect them. God is using your shepherd to protect you from parasites—word contamination, deception, and spiritual dryness. That oil keeps you covered.
To the Pastor, allow this to be the moment when the Lord puts fresh oil on you!
Oil for the next season. Oil for the next dimension. Oil for new territory. The four walls of the church building will no longer confine your vision!
Church, stretch your hands and declare: “May the oil never run dry!”
(surely goodness and mercy)
Pastor, your best days are not behind you—they are ahead of you. Your next chapter is bigger than your last. When you look back, you have faced trouble, trials, and tragedies. But look closer! What has sustained you and these people of God is because of your dedication to the Lord and serving his flock like the good shepherd. Goodness and mercy are following you and them!
But if they ask you how you did it? How you made it this far? The answer is simple.... The good shepherd laid down His life! HE DIED! HE DIED! HE DIED! But He didn't stay dead! HE GOT UP- With all power in His hands! And Because He lives, you can face tomorrow because he lives all fear is gone... and Life is worth living because He lives!!!
(Altar Call/Invitation to Christ)
