Finding Comfort in the Shepherd's Presence
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Lincoln Road Chapel! It's wonderful to gather around tables again. As we continue our series on Psalm 23, we delve into verses 4 to 6 today. Last week, we explored the serene imagery of green pastures and still waters, where the Shepherd leads us on paths of righteousness. This week, we confront the stark contrast of walking through the valley of the shadow of death. This valley, likely a wadi, represents the darkest and most challenging moments in our lives. Yet, David assures us that even in these shadowy places, we need not fear evil because God is with us.
David's words, "I will fear no evil, for you are with me," are the heart of this psalm. The Shepherd's presence is not passive; He is actively protecting and guiding us with His rod and staff. The rod defends us from external threats, while the staff keeps us on the right path, even when we are prone to wander. This dual role of the Shepherd provides comfort and eliminates fear, reminding us that we are never alone.
The imagery then shifts to a table prepared in the presence of our enemies. This table signifies not just nourishment but also friendship and community. It is a declaration of victory over all that seeks to harm us. The Shepherd anoints our heads with oil, setting us apart and blessing us abundantly. This overflowing cup symbolizes the lavish blessings that come from being in a relationship with the Shepherd.
Jesus embodies this Shepherd. He does not promise a life free from trouble but assures us of His constant presence and ultimate victory. His work on the cross is the rod and staff that protect us from sin and death. Though we live in the tension of the "already but not yet," we are comforted by the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, guiding us in all truth and reminding us of our secure future with God.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Presence in Dark Times: Even in the valley of the shadow of death, we need not fear because God is with us. His presence is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that we are never alone, no matter how dire the circumstances. [26:05]
2. Active Shepherding: The Shepherd's rod and staff symbolize His active role in our lives. The rod defends us from external threats, while the staff guides us back to the right path when we stray. This dual protection ensures our safety and well-being. [27:33]
3. Table of Friendship and Victory: The table prepared in the presence of our enemies signifies not just nourishment but also friendship and community. It is a declaration of victory over all that seeks to harm us, showing that we are under the Shepherd's care and protection. [28:58]
4. Anointed and Blessed: Being anointed with oil and having an overflowing cup symbolize being set apart and blessed abundantly by God. This imagery assures us that even in our darkest moments, we are under God's special care and provision. [30:03]
5. Jesus as the Ultimate Shepherd: Jesus, our ultimate Shepherd, does not promise a trouble-free life but assures us of His constant presence and ultimate victory. His work on the cross is the rod and staff that protect us from sin and death, and the Holy Spirit guides us, reminding us of our secure future with God. [31:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[16:34] - Transition from Tables to Rows
[17:30] - Introduction to Psalm 23
[18:12] - The Shepherd's Guidance
[19:04] - Tension Between Ideal and Reality
[19:49] - The Valley of the Shadow of Death
[20:26] - Comfort in the Valley
[21:10] - The Wadi: A Place of Danger
[21:57] - Historical Context of the Wadi
[22:49] - The Shadowiest Shadow
[23:27] - Real-Life Shadows
[24:22] - The Shepherd in Highs and Lows
[25:18] - Expected Valleys
[26:05] - No Fear in the Valley
[26:47] - The Shepherd's Active Role
[27:33] - Rod and Staff Explained
[28:21] - Comfort in the Shepherd's Actions
[28:58] - The Table of Friendship
[29:34] - Victory Over Enemies
[30:03] - Anointed and Blessed
[30:34] - Comfort in Dark Times
[31:05] - Jesus as the Ultimate Shepherd
[31:34] - The Cross as Rod and Staff
[32:08] - The Tension of the Christian Journey
[32:38] - The Holy Spirit's Role
[33:05] - Assurance of Belonging
[33:36] - Final Reflection and Prayer
[34:49] - Communion Instructions
[59:29] - The Table of Victory
[01:00:04] - Victory Over Death
[01:00:38] - Communion at Tables
[01:01:19] - Prayer for Communion
[01:12:41] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Psalm 23:4-6 (ESV): "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the two main tools the Shepherd uses to protect and guide the sheep, and what are their purposes? ([27:33])
2. How does David describe the valley he walks through, and what does this valley represent in our lives? ([20:26])
3. What does the table prepared in the presence of enemies signify in the context of Psalm 23? ([28:58])
4. What does it mean to have one's head anointed with oil and a cup that overflows? ([30:03])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the presence of the Shepherd in the valley of the shadow of death a source of comfort and eliminates fear? ([26:05])
2. How does the imagery of the rod and staff relate to Jesus' work on the cross? ([31:34])
3. What is the significance of the table of friendship and victory in the presence of enemies, and how does it apply to our spiritual lives? ([28:58])
4. How does the concept of being anointed and blessed by God provide assurance during difficult times? ([30:03])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt you were in a "valley of the shadow of death." How did you experience God's presence during that time? ([20:26])
2. In what ways can you be more aware of the Shepherd's active role in your life, especially when facing external threats or personal struggles? ([27:33])
3. How can you cultivate a sense of community and friendship within your small group or church, similar to the table prepared in the presence of enemies? ([28:58])
4. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself of God's abundant blessings, even when you are going through challenging times? ([30:03])
5. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you and remind you of your secure future with God, especially when you feel overwhelmed by life's difficulties? ([32:38])
6. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to trust Jesus as your ultimate Shepherd. What steps can you take this week to surrender that area to Him? ([31:05])
7. How can you support someone else who might be walking through their own valley of the shadow of death, offering them the comfort and assurance of God's presence? ([26:05])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Presence in Dark Times
Even in the valley of the shadow of death, we need not fear because God is with us. His presence is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that we are never alone, no matter how dire the circumstances. David's assurance, "I will fear no evil, for you are with me," highlights the profound truth that God's presence is not passive but active. He is there to protect and guide us through the darkest moments of our lives. This divine companionship eliminates fear and instills a deep sense of peace and security. [26:05]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenging situation you faced. How did you sense God's presence with you during that time? If you didn't, how can you seek His presence more intentionally in future trials?
Day 2: Active Shepherding
The Shepherd's rod and staff symbolize His active role in our lives. The rod defends us from external threats, while the staff guides us back to the right path when we stray. This dual protection ensures our safety and well-being. The Shepherd is not a passive observer but an active participant in our journey, constantly working to keep us safe and on the right path. This active shepherding provides immense comfort, knowing that we are under the vigilant care of a loving and powerful protector. [27:33]
Ezekiel 34:11-12 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt lost or strayed from your path. How did you experience God's guidance bringing you back? What steps can you take to remain more attuned to His guidance daily?
Day 3: Table of Friendship and Victory
The table prepared in the presence of our enemies signifies not just nourishment but also friendship and community. It is a declaration of victory over all that seeks to harm us, showing that we are under the Shepherd's care and protection. This table is a powerful image of God's provision and the intimate relationship He desires with us. It reassures us that even in the presence of adversaries, we are secure and victorious through Him. [28:58]
Psalm 78:19-20 (ESV): "They spoke against God, saying, 'Can God spread a table in the wilderness? He struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams overflowed. Can he also give bread or provide meat for his people?'"
Reflection: Consider a situation where you felt surrounded by challenges or adversaries. How did you see God's provision and victory in that situation? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of community and friendship with God and others?
Day 4: Anointed and Blessed
Being anointed with oil and having an overflowing cup symbolize being set apart and blessed abundantly by God. This imagery assures us that even in our darkest moments, we are under God's special care and provision. The anointing signifies being chosen and blessed, while the overflowing cup represents the abundance of God's blessings in our lives. This assurance of divine favor and provision brings hope and encouragement, even in the most challenging times. [30:03]
1 Samuel 16:13 (ESV): "Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt particularly blessed or set apart by God. How did this experience impact your faith and outlook on life? How can you remain mindful of God's blessings in your daily life?
Day 5: Jesus as the Ultimate Shepherd
Jesus, our ultimate Shepherd, does not promise a trouble-free life but assures us of His constant presence and ultimate victory. His work on the cross is the rod and staff that protect us from sin and death, and the Holy Spirit guides us, reminding us of our secure future with God. Living in the tension of the "already but not yet," we are comforted by the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, guiding us in all truth and reminding us of our secure future with God. [31:34]
John 10:11-15 (ESV): "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep."
Reflection: Think about an area of your life where you are experiencing tension or struggle. How can you invite Jesus, the ultimate Shepherd, into that situation? What steps can you take to rely more on His guidance and assurance of victory?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I will fear no evil for you are with me. Whatever the circumstances, whichever end of the continuum of life you find yourself on, at the heart of the text, at the heart of your existence is this undeniable truth. You are not alone. You're not alone. You are with a shepherd who does not send his flock down into the darkness, down into the valley and takes an alternate route and is waiting for you on the other side. He goes down. He goes down into the darkness with you. He goes right into the valley. Where you go, where we go, he goes, so there is nothing to fear." [26:05] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus does not promise carefree life that goes the way we always want it to. But he does promise that he will always be with us. That he will never forsake us and that he has already secured for us his victory. John 16, Jesus says to his disciples, I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You may have shalom. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart. Be comforted. Because I have overcome the world." [31:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart. Be comforted. Because I have overcome the world. The work of, the work of Christ on the cross is the rod and the staff which defends us against all evil. The staff which overcomes our sins that seek to pull us off course. The cross is the victory over our sin and over death and the grave. It's the means by which we are invited to the very table of God that we might belong with him and be with him." [31:34] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so this week, may you be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord, your God, goes with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Amen." [01:12:41] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "But maybe... Maybe... Maybe as you thought about those verses this week, maybe it was a source of tension for you. It's great to hear these stories that sound so good of green grass, of refreshment, but maybe your lived experience doesn't look like that, right? Maybe it was a good question, I think, around our table. The very first question that we wrestled with was that line, I lack nothing or I shall not be in want, and the question was, does that actually rub you the wrong way, right? It's like, this sounds so good, but that's not my lived experience." [19:04] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so David writes these words, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, he says this, I will fear no evil. Whatever is in the valley of the shadow of death. Whatever your valley is, whatever is in that valley, whatever is lurking in the shadows, David says, there is no evil that is to be feared. He doesn't say that there's no evil. He says that there is no evil that should be feared. Why? Because he says, for you are with me. This, my friends, is the point of the entire psalm. This is dead center in the middle of the poem. The phrase, I will fear no evil for you are with me. Like if you remember one thing, from these four weeks, that's it." [25:18] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "But it begins with this idea that your rod and your staff, they comfort me. And I just want to remind you, it's not just that the shepherd is present with us, but the shepherd is active. He's doing something when he's with us. What we translate as a rod is this sort of short tool. It's got a handle, and sometimes there's like a ball or like a mace on the end. It really is like a small club. And this is used for a shepherd that if something like a predator were to come upon the herd, if anything were to come out of the shadows, the shepherd will wield that club and he would drive them away." [27:33] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "To be anointed with oil, we've talked about this in the last month or a bit, is a way of being consecrated. It's a way of being set apart with a specific purpose. To have an overflowing cup is a way to be lavished in blessing. And so if you couple that with the table imagery that we've just looked at, David is saying, to those who belong to the shepherd, they have been set apart. They've been invited to belong to the shepherd. Invited into deep relationship in which he extends care and provides for them." [30:03] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God has given us the Holy Spirit. He's anointed us with him like oil on our heads. He assures us that he is with us always to overflowing. His presence not only in the green pastures but also in the shadowy valleys as well. And every circumstance of life the spirit testifies to us that we belong to Jesus. That we are the very children of God. The spirit intends to guide us in all truth reminding us that Christ has already overcome that he has secured our victory so that whatever uncertainty we face whatever it looks like we come under his care we come under his protection and we will soon find ourselves seated at his table of victory blessed and with him." [33:05] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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