The Divine Shepherd's Assurances

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. His Eternal Pre-existence

2. His Everlasting Presence

3. His Endless Provisions

Remarks.

1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “the divine shepherd’s assurances.” David’s 23rd Psalms, outlines these great assurances: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh 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. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever,” Psalms 23:1-6.

2. First, we will consider the assurance of His eternal pre-existence: “The LORD is.” David begins by affirming the eternal existence of the Divine Shepherd. The Lord IS! Unlike the heathen around him at this time, their gods were the work of their hands. They carried their gods. They had eyes and could not see; mouths and could not speak, and ears but they could not hear. The Divine Shepherd carries his children wherever they go; because He is alive and is to us an everlasting Father. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and to us; the sheep of His pasture!

3. Second, we will discuss the assurance of His everlasting presence: “The LORD is my shepherd... he leadeth me... thou art with me.” David makes it know to the people of God, that the Divine Shepherd is ever present with his sheep. He writes: “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,” Psalms 100:3.

4. Lastly, we will investigate the assurance of His endless provisions: “I shall not want... He restoreth my soul... Thou preparest a table before me... surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life... I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” This same servant wrote: “I have been young, and now am old: yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread,” Psalms 37:25. We can be confident, that God shall “provide for all of our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:19. With this introduction, let’s consider our first point: “His eternal pre-existence.”

BODY OF LESSON

I HIS ETERNAL PRE-EXISTENCE

A. David, the Psalmist, before he speaks of the Lord’s everlasting presence and endless provisions in his life; first declares the LORD’s eternal pre-existence. He states: “The LORD is.” The LORD God that made heaven and earth is “from everlasting to everlasting.” He is LORD God Almighty, invisible and visibly seen in all His creation, heaven and earth; throughout every nation and generation. Notice:

1. First, David writes: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God,” Psalms 90:2.

2. Further, David pens: “Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting,” Psalms 93:2.

3. Additionally, Paul affirms: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen,” 1 Timothy 1:17. The LORD is the eternal and only wise God, and the church said: Amen!

4. Finally, David said: “The fool has said in his heart there is no God,” Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:1. Note:

a. One must be foolish to look into the heavens and the earth, the visible creation of God; and take a position that there was no creator.

b. The wise man will acknowledge that God exist; and that everything that is now seen came from that which did not exist; and by him do all things now consist, Hebrews 11:1-2.

c. Illustrate: Watch pieces in a paper bag.

5. David speaks of the LORD’s pre-existence: “The Lord Is,” Psalms 23:1. Here he speaks of the Lord of eternity, who is from: “everlasting to everlasting.”

David continues in the Psalms:

a. First, “Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!” Psalms 41:13.

b. Second, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord,” Psalms 106:48.

c. Third, Paul writes: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarded of them that diligently seek him,” Hebrews 11:6. Faith is needed before anyone can come to God for salvation. This includes faithful obedience to the will of God.