Embracing Jesus: Our Shepherd and Caregiver
Summary
In this sermon, I explored the profound meaning and implications of Psalm 23, a familiar text to many. I emphasized the importance of understanding ourselves as sheep in need of a shepherd, and how this shepherd is none other than Jesus Christ. I highlighted the comprehensive and diligent care that God, as our Shepherd, provides for us, and how this care should lead us to a state of contentment. I also discussed the idea that our condition as Jesus' flock should provoke the world to take notice of Him. I concluded by encouraging those who have not yet experienced Jesus' care to declare themselves as sheep in need and accept Him as their Shepherd.
Key Takeaways:
- We are like sheep in need of a Shepherd, and this Shepherd is Jesus Christ. ( [38:27])
- God, as our Shepherd, provides comprehensive and diligent care for us. ( [39:12])
- Our condition as Jesus' flock should provoke the world to take notice of Him. ( [39:52])
- Those who have not yet experienced Jesus' care should declare themselves as sheep in need and accept Him as their Shepherd. ( [40:36])
- Jesus, the Shepherd, knows what it's like to be mistreated as a sheep and rose from the grave so that we wouldn't have to experience harassment. ( [01:04:55])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 23 #!!47:31!!#
2. Romans 5:5 #!!01:20:46!!#
3. Isaiah 61 #!!01:20:46!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What are the key characteristics of a shepherd as described in Psalm 23?
2. How does Romans 5:5 relate to the concept of the Holy Spirit being our "oil of gladness"?
3. What are the characteristics of sheep as described in the passages and how do they relate to us as followers of Jesus?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the shepherd's actions in Psalm 23 reflect God's care for us?
2. How does the Holy Spirit, as described in Romans 5:5 and Isaiah 61, provide us with daily encouragement and assurance?
3. How does the behavior of sheep in these passages reflect our own behaviors and tendencies as humans?
Application Questions:
1. In what ways have you experienced God's shepherding care in your life recently?
2. How can you better recognize and appreciate the "green pastures" and "still waters" that God provides in your life?
3. Can you identify a "valley of the shadow of death" in your life where you need to trust in God's presence and guidance?
4. How can you better surrender your wants to God, trusting in His provision and care?
5. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of contentment in God's comprehensive and diligent care for you?
Devotional
Day 1: The Lord as Our Shepherd
The Lord is depicted as our shepherd, guiding us through life's trials and tribulations. He is the one who leads us to green pastures and still waters, providing us with the sustenance we need to thrive. His guidance is not always easy to follow, but it is always for our benefit and growth ([38:27]).
Psalm 78:52 - "But he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the wilderness."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt the Lord guiding you through a difficult situation. How did you feel His presence?
Day 2: The Promise of Eternal Care
Our shepherd, the Lord, promises eternal care. This care is not just for our physical needs, but for our spiritual needs as well. He promises to guide us through life and into eternity, where we will dwell in His presence forever ([01:27:39]).
John 10:28 - "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
Reflection: How does the promise of eternal care from the Lord comfort you in your daily life?
Day 3: Contentment in the Lord's Care
The Lord's care brings contentment. When we surrender our wants and desires to Him, we find that we are no longer driven by them. Instead, we find satisfaction and contentment in His care and provision ([01:13:51]).
Philippians 4:11 - "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."
Reflection: What are some desires that you need to surrender to the Lord in order to find contentment in His care?
Day 4: The Lord's Guidance
The Lord guides us to still waters and green pastures. He knows where the safe places are and leads us there. We may not always understand His guidance, but we can trust that it is for our good ([01:15:21]).
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you didn't understand the Lord's guidance, but later saw how it was for your good?
Day 5: Following the Shepherd
Following the Shepherd, Jesus Christ, brings true and total joy. Even when the path is difficult, His voice is sweet and His guidance is sure. He leads us through all of life's trials and into His eternal care ([01:30:23]).
John 10:27 - "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
Reflection: How have you experienced joy in following the Shepherd, even in difficult times?
Quotes
1. "It's trended their life and enter into the flock of Jesus and enjoy care he provides. Listening to him, thank you Lord for how sweet his voice is and we just want to declare together that to follow him is true and total joy in his name." - 01:30:15
2. "I pray father that you would do only what you can do through your spirit's power and that is make a fairly familiar text come to life again. You declare that your word is living and active as God breathed and we would experience that this morning." - 37:51
3. "A shepherded sheep has a condition that is related to the character of their Shepherd. If I was going to use a big idea for Psalm 23 whoever your Shepherd is whatever your condition will be. The impression is that the character of the shepherd is going to leak onto and show itself in the condition of the sheep." - 40:54
4. "If the Lord is my shepherd, a Psalm of David it reads like this the Lord is my shepherd shall not want he makes me lie down beside Green Pastures he leads me beside Quiet Waters he restores my soul. He leads me in Paths of righteousness for his name's sake even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil." - 40:54
5. "If you and I are sheep then it stands to reason that we are to be owned. David has no problem letting everyone know that he is not an island unto himself as a human being that David is not the king and master of himself rather he like everyone else needs something larger than himself to look after himself." - 52:44
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