The Shepherd’s Way
July 15, 2007
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Text: Psalm 23
Series - This is our God - #3 - amazing how we know this Psalm
Why so meaningful? “My way or the highway!” “I did it my way” - The Shepherd’s way is the best way! Why?
1)You find rest
V1-3 - When Jesus is your Lord and leader you will find rest!
Restless? Unfulfilled? Dissatisfied? Need new scenery? Cal. or bust? Wanting?
Jesus gives you cause to rest! “shall not want” “Maketh me lie down.” Satisfies all needs for rest! Jesus gives me cause for rest - Matthew 11:28-29
Restored! Brings back soul! Jehovah Rapha - for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
2) You find courage
V3b-4 - Following Jesus! You find courage!
Jesus is leading me on the path that brings God glory! The best path - yet a narrow path
Righteousness! God’s ways!! Jehovah Tsidkenu - THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
V-4 - Death valley, furnace creek. There is help!! God with us! His might and power! Rod and staff - God walks the dark hills! Jehovah Shammah - The Lord is there - Is 43:1-3a - This assurance and comfort brings me courage! I will come through!
3) You find Overjoyment!
V5 - I’m treated like a child of the King! A co-heir!
God spreads the table of blessings - the enemy sees what God has cooked up for me! Relevance! Purpose, hope, happiness, healing, etc.
The enemy can only watch! God anoints my head with oil - Healing – encouragement - honor!
Cup overflowing - more than enough! My lot in life is a lot! Oh how God loves His children!
Jehovah Jireh - The Lord provides - What overjoyment will come when God treats you like family! You!
4) You find home
V6 - We are just traveling through! Following our Shepherd! As we go we are reminded of home - pictures of family? Smells? Memories - God’s footman! Goodness - takes care of my steps - mercy takes care of my stumbles - our reminders of HOME!
I have the hope of home, the assurance of a dwelling in God’s house!
Jesus my Shepherd - Jehovah Raah - he will lead me home.
”Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” - John 14:1-3
Conclusion
Live encouraged! You have found the best way! The Shepherd’s way!Take heart in your journey! You have found the best way!