Sermon Central
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The Shepherd And The Sheep (1) Series
Contributed by Wilson Oshorakpor on Mar 1, 2021 (message contributor)
Summary: Psalms 23 is one of the most loved Psalms in the Bible. David spoke intimately of his relationship with the Lord. He was the sheep while the Lord was the shepherd. The shepherd's provision, protection, preservation and presence is clearly highlighted.
TEXT: Psalms 23:1-6 (NLT)
"The lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the lord forever."
Sheep and Goats
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Ps 23:1KJV).
If Jesus is your shepherd, then you are a member of his herd of sheep. The sheep is noted for its obedience to instructions and gentle demeanor. The shepherd does not need a whip to beat the sheep to obey, he only uses a rod and staff to protect and comfort them. Goats are not part of the herd because they are stubborn and rebellious. Are you a goat or a sheep? You will not be counted among the goats in Jesus name.
The Good Shepherd Provides
The shepherd provides all the needs of the sheep. A sheep in the herd is content with the provisions of the shepherd. Paul said about the shepherd: "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). The greedy sheep goes astray and is soon. lost. The good shepherd will not withhold any good thing from the sheep that is obedient (Ps 84:11). The grass may look greener on the other side, but it may be poison to the soul. Hear good advise: "But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1Tim 6:6). The Lord will arise for you and supply all your needs in Jesus name.
The Shepherds attends to the cries of the sheep
The shepherd is ready to lay down his life for the sheep. He loves the sheep so much, he sacrificed his life for their eternal salvation. John 10:11 says: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." The provision every sheep needs is already supplied in Christ Jesus, the great Shepherd. When the sheep bleats, it attracts the attention of the shepherd and is promptly attended to. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). When an obedient disciple prays and asks for his need, Jesus hears and attends to him/her (Matt 7:7). As you cry to him today, the great Shepherd will hear your voice and attend to all your needs in Jesus name.
God's provision is sure for the obedient sheep
"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture" (John 10:9). You will not lack pasture in Jesus name. God's provision is sure for the obedient sheep. As you go about your daily duties in obedience, you and your children will not lack provision in Jesus name. "The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing (Ps 34:10).
PRAYER:
Father, provide for me and my family as we follow you in obedience. Let us not lack any good thing in Jesus name
God bless you. Shalom.
