Sermon Central
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The Good Shepherd's Unchanging Care
Contributed by Rick Finitzer on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: In the midst of difficulties and trails we need help and strength that does not come from us. We need strength and help from our Creator! Psa. 121:1-2 NIV I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, th
Is. 40:22b NIV He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
Like a Question Brian Regan might ask:
Is. 40:13 NIV Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor?
Like, “LORD” I’d like to give you a few pointers on how to run the world!
David says, The ONE in charge of it all! He is…
“…my shepherd…”
SHEPHERDING
Being a shepherd was a low rung position in the Ancient world.
This is why David, the youngest son of Jesse was tending his father’s sheep.
In a family it is the person who has to clean up after the dog or take out the trash!
Shepherding was a 24/7/365 job!
Watch the sheep
Guide the sheep
Feed the sheep
Protect the sheep
Because of those responsibilities the Shepherd slept with the sheep.
The Shepherd was the door or gate at night for the sheepfold.
The Nation of Israel was shepherded by God
Ps. 80:1a NIV “Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock…”
THE SHEEP
God’s Word refers to His people as sheep
Ps. 100:3 NIV Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Traits of Sheep:
Have you ever seen a sheep act?
Creatures of habit
Fearful
Timid
Defenseless
Wander endlessly
Ceremonially clean animal but are not the brightest crayon in the box!
They need constant care to raise
Turkish shepherds stunned after flock of 1,500 sheep leaps off cliff
From the Associated Press:
ISTANBUL, Turkey - First one sheep jumped to its death. Then stunned Turkish shepherds, who had left the herd to graze while they had breakfast, watched as nearly 1,500 others followed, each leaping off the same cliff, Turkish media reported.
In the end, 450 dead animals lay on top of one another in a billowy white pile, the Aksam newspaper said. Those who jumped later were saved as the pile got higher and the fall more cushioned, Aksam reported.
$100,000.00 was lost by the 26 families
$2,700.00 is the average yearly income per head of family.
SHEEP 1: Would you jump off a cliff just because Dane over there did?
SHEEP 2: Dane jumped off a cliff? I am so there!
SHEEP 1: Hey wait for me!
“The LORD is my shepherd,”
HOW INTIMATELY DOES GOD CARE FOR HIS SHEEP?
He knows your name
John 10:3 NIV The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
He knows all about you
Matt. 10:30 NIV And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
He knows how many you lost this morning while brushing your hair! For some, He has less to keep track of these days!
God’s sheep hear and obey His voice
John 10:27 NIV My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Do you recognize His voice?
Is Jesus your shepherd?
When He calls, do you come?
“The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want.”
God alone can satisfy the longing of the human soul! All of the fame, money or power in the world cannot deliver happiness. They are merely illusions and substitutes.
Phil. 4:11-13 NIV I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
