The Good Shepherd Part 2

The Good Shepherd Part 2

Psalm 23

June 3, 2007 FBC, Chester Mike Fogerson, Pastor

Introduction

A The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalms 23:1-6 (NASB)

1 David wrote it late in life

a No ruddy shepherd

b The Lord is my shepherd (Jehovah Rohi)

aa Jehovah Jireh Provides

bb Jehovah Shalom Peace

cc Jehovah Rophe Healing

dd Jehovah Tsidkenu Righteousness

ee Jehovah Shammah The Lord is there

c Today, I’ll introduce two new names:

aa Jehovah Nissi The Lord our banner

bb Jehovah M’Kaddesh The Lord who sanctifies

2 Some interpret the psalm as changing metaphors from Lord as shepherd to Lord as host (v. 5 & 6).

a This is perhaps the reward, blessing for the sheep who have followed the good shepherd home.

b I will enter it as a shift in metaphor, however, the emphasis I’ve put in this series is really on the Old Testament names of God.

c Let’s look at the last two verses of the 23rd Psalm & find comfort, hope, and promise for all the days of our lives, as well as allowing God to prepare our hearts for approaching His table today.

I Jehovah Nissi: "in the presence of my enemies"

A What a powerful image when understood.

1 The picture is one of someone running, a fugitive on the run with his enemy right on his trail, breathing down his neck.

a He’s in trouble. "In a moment of passion or cold bitterness, he has maimed & outraged his brother."-Jowett

aa The way is long, the enemy is near, the air is feverish, night is falling, & the runner is faint.

bb He sees a campfire on the horizon & a tent with a banner/flag.

cc Quickly he runs, & with exhaustion puts his hand on the rope as the owner of the tent takes him in.

dd Prepares a meal/banquet, & the enemy can only look in from the outside-untouchable as long as under the hospitality of his host.

b The fugitive sits as an honored guest at the table.

aa To accept another as a guest was to set aside hatred & to assume responsibility for the safety of the guest while in your dwelling.

bb All the resources of the tent are at his disposal...under his banner!

2 In Exodus 17:15, Amelek stood in the way that God’s people were supposed to be going (Moses-prophet, Aaron-priest, Hur-layperson).

a As Joshua led the Hebrew armies against Amelek, when Moses raised his staff up (banner), the Hebrews won, when he lowered it, they lost.

b Aaron & Hur helped Moses to raise the banner (whole other sermon).

aa Banner was symbolic of the people under him identifying with YHWH.

bb Under His protection, safety

c Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner...Ex 17:15 (NASB)

B What enemy is chasing you across the plains of your life?

1 The sin of yesterday

a The temptation of today (fox/lion/passion/prayers)

b The death that awaits me tomorrow

2 There is only one tent we can touch, & in whose hospitality we find food, refuge, & rest.

a Jesus! The name above all names, King of kings, Prince of peace, Lord of lords, Lion of Judah, Good Shepherd, Alpha & Omega, Beginning & End, Rod from the stem of Jesse, Bright Morning Star, Messiah, Lamb of God, Jehovah Jireh, Shalom, Rophe, Tsidkenu,, Shammah...

b Praise Jehovah Nissi-His banner over us is love!

II "Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows": Jehovah M’kaddesh (the Lord who sanctifies).

A The host would have a servant pour fragrant oil on his guest to refresh, restore the weary traveler.

1 See this with Mary, Martha, & Jesus in the New Testament, footwashing with Jesus & His disciples.

a Clean, ready for service, fit for use.

b Anointing is setting aside for holy purpose/work.

aa Holy instruments were used in the temple, & they had been anointed, sanctified for divine purpose/use.

bb You shall keep My statutes and practice them; I am the LORD who sanctifies you. Lev 20:8 (NASB)

2 We are not fit to be used in God’s Kingdom (we’re not holy, righteous).