Psalm 23 Series
By Elmer L. Towns
Lesson 1 (23 Psalm): The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want
A. WHY IS THIS THE FAVORITE PSALM?
1. Easy to memorize. These six verses are a short “self-contained” picture of our relationship with God.
2. Intimate fellowship. Promises God’s comfort and protection when we remain close to the Shepherd.
3. Personalized identification. Demonstrates how our spiritual needs are met in the Lord.
4. It’s a story. Has action, testimony, characterization and plot.
5. Tells about the Lord. Israel knew God primarily by His power and holiness, but in Psalm 23, they learn of His personal love and compassion.
B. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
1. What is meant, if you don’t call him Lord?
a. If He is called God, Elohim, i.e., creative power, it implies an impersonal mighty Being. But this Psalm is about relationship.
b. If He is called Master, Adonai, i.e., it implies slaves to serve. But we are sheep to be cared for by the Lord.
c. If He is called King, Rock, Fortress, Almighty, or Holy One, it implies impersonal terms. But the term Lord is a term of personal relationship meaning you can get close to Him.
2. What does the word “is” imply?
a. Some only testify to past experiences with God, i.e., Duncan Campbell. “The Lord was my Shepherd.”
b. Some only plan to get close to the Lord-Shepherd in the future, i.e., the Lord will be my Shepherd.
3. What two things can I count on when you use the verb “IS”?
a. Right now. The Lord will care and protect you today.
b. Right here. You don’t have to go some place else to get into the Shepherd’s care.
4. What would it mean if the pronoun my were left out?
a. The Lord is a shepherd, means He is one among many. Who or what is your shepherd? Job? Family? Retirement fund?
b. The Lord is the shepherd means He has the priority, but He is not personal. “The shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
c. The Lord is our shepherd means He relates to me in a crowd. “I’m only one among many.”
5. Why are we likened to sheep?
a. Stray. “All we like sheep have gone astray” (Isa. 53:6). “What man having a hundred sheep, if he lost one . . . will go after that which was lost” (Luke 15:4).
b. Satisfy self. Sheep will only eat what is in front of them.
c. No sense of danger. Sheep have no instinct to warn them of snakes, wolves, bears, parasites, etc.
d. Defenseless. Sheep have no weapons to defend themselves, no claws, teeth, fangs, etc. “The wolf catcheth them” (John 10:12).
e. Dumb. “As a sheep before a shearer is dumb” (Isa. 53:7).
f. Target of the enemy. “Grievous wolves shall enter, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29).
6. Why is the Lord likened to a shepherd?
a. He knows us. “I am the good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:14).
b. He relates to us. “He calleth His own sheep by name and leadeth them out and when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice” (John 10:3,4).
c. He loves the sheep. “He (Jesus) was moved with compassion on them, because they were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matt. 9:36).
d. He provides for the sheep. “I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
e. He sacrifices for the sheep. “The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:10). “I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:15).
f. He protects the sheep. “Thy servant (David) kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: and I went after him . . . and caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him” (I Sam. 17:34,35).
g. He feeds the sheep. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies” (Ps. 23:5).
C. I SHALL NOT WANT
1. What does the word “shall” mean to me?
a. Purpose of the will. I can make definite plans about the future. This is a word of intention.
b. Faith-desire. I expect the Lord to take care of me. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matt 21:22).
c. Future state. I know the Lord will care for me. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (I Thess. 5:24).
2. What shall we “not want?”
a. What are the four greatest “wants” in life.
(1) Love me. “He gave His love to us” (Rom. 5:8).
(2) Accept me. “He that comes to me, I will not cast out” (John 6:37).
(3) Exalt me. “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself . . . the same is the greatest” (Matt. 18:4).
(4) Protect me. “My sheep . . . no one shall take them from Me” (John 10:27,28).
b. We shall not want what the Shepherd gives. This is an incomplete sentence, it applies to what the Shepherd gives.
Doesn’t apply to:
I want fun, because He gives satisfaction.
I want to fulfill my lust, because He cannot tempt us.
I want money, but He gives what money buys.
I want better circumstances, but He gives abundant life.
PRAYING THE 23rd PSALM
Because Thou art my Shepherd,
I commit my needs to Thee.
Provide green pasture for me to lie in,
Lead me beside still waters.
Restore my soul when I’m empty,
Lead me in right paths for Your name’s sake.
Be with me in danger when I walk,
Through the valley of the shadow of death.
Deliver me from evil,
And protect me with Your rod and staff.
Prepare a table to feed me.
So my enemies can see Your provision.
Anoint me with the oil of Your healing,
Let me drink from the full cup of Your provision.
Surely goodness and mercy will always follow me,
And I want to live with You forever.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.
*Taken from: Praying the 23rd Psalm, Elmer L. Towns, Regal Books, Ventura, CA, 2001.
