"The Testimony Of The Sheep.”

Banner of Praise Ministries

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Rev. Dr. Levi Howard Wright, Pastor & Founder

Subject: “The Testimony Of The Sheep.”

Text: Psalms 23:1-6

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 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.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

INTRODUCTION

The 23 Psalms is commonly referred to as “The Shepherd’s Psalm”, but it is not the “Shepherd’s Psalm. Although the shepherd is being praised, He does not speak one time in this great Psalm. A sheep does all of the talking in this Psalm, giving a word of testimony as to the goodness of his shepherd, listen to its testimony as he say, “The Lord Is My Shepherd.”

1. Listen To The Testimony Of The Sheep As it Say The Lord:

Psalms 23:2-3a

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3a He restoreth my soul:.

The Sheep gives testimony that the Lord, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.

A sheep is a dumb and stupid animal that chews the cud (this means that they eat so much, regurgitates, then chews it again).

The shepherd does not allows the sheep the freedom onto roam and eat at will, because He know that on their own they will eat too much and get indigestion,

The shepherd often separates the sheep in the pasture, by tapping each one with His staff and calling each one by name as he taps them. This tapping of the staff is a signal of authority and the sheep lie down in response to the tap.

The sheep are only allowed to eat the grass that is just around them This will provide them from being stuffed or getting indigestion due to their nature of eating. While laying down, they also rest. After a good meal, they are led to a small stream or overflowing spring and drink from still waters.

Now that their appetites have been satisfied and their thirst quenched, their whole being has been strengthened and refreshed. For the sheep gives “Testimony That The Lord Restoreth My Soul.” (or my whole being is restored).

How wonderful it is for our Shepherd to lead us into the “Green Pastures and Still Waters” of His Word.” He gives us only enough at each feeding for our strength to be renewed and for our growth so that we do not get “Spiritual Indigestion” or are carried about with every wind of doctrine. As Christian we need to learn to accept the “Authority of the Staff of God’s Word!”

In Ephesians 4:14-15 the Apostle Paul said;

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

2. Listen To The Testimony Of The Sheep As It Says:

Psalms 23:3b

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

In traveling from pasture to pasture, the Shepherd must lead their flocks over barren, sun- baked desert (wilderness). The shepherd must try to avoid the cracks in the soil so that the sheep want get their feet caught or break a leg. Yes, he must not lead them where their wool will be caught and snagged in the thorny brush.

The Shepherd must lead them in the “Right Path Way”, away from pitfalls and danger. This He must do “For His Name Sake”. The Shepherd desire is to present his “Flock” to the wool buyer at the marketplace “Without Spot and Without Blemish.”

If the Shepherd take good care of his sheep, he will maintain his reputation as a “Good Shepherd” and the buyer at the market do not even have to look at his flock. They will go by the shepherd’s name and give him the “Top Price.” This is why our Shepherd leads us in the “Path of Righteousness for His Name Sake.” It is His reputation that is at stake. The world judges Him by us. Oh how we need to “Hear His Voice and Follow Him!”