Jehovah-Rohi: Embracing God as Our Shepherd
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our series on the names of God by focusing on Jehovah-Rohi, which means "The Lord is my shepherd." We began by reflecting on Hebrews 13:20-21, which speaks of Jesus as the great shepherd who equips us to do God's will. Our primary text for today is Psalm 23, a passage many of us know well. This Psalm beautifully illustrates the Lord's role as our shepherd, providing, guiding, and protecting us through all seasons of life.
Psalm 23 is divided into two sections: the first four verses depict the Lord as a shepherd, and the last two verses present Him as a host. We explored three key questions: What does Jehovah-Rohi mean? How does Jehovah-Rohi affect our daily lives? And what is the overall impact of having Jehovah-Rohi in our lives?
Jehovah-Rohi means "The Lord is my shepherd," a concept deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. From Genesis to Isaiah to John, the imagery of God as a shepherd is prevalent. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the good shepherd," emphasizing His role in leading, providing for, and protecting His flock.
David, who authored Psalm 23, knew firsthand the responsibilities and sacrifices of a shepherd. He fought off lions to protect his sheep, a vivid illustration of how God protects us. We, like sheep, often wander and face dangers, but our shepherd is always there to guide and provide for us.
David lists eight blessings in Psalm 23 that come from having God as our shepherd: rest in green pastures, guidance beside quiet waters, renewal of life, leading along right paths, comfort in the darkest valleys, a prepared table in the presence of enemies, anointing with oil, and an overflowing cup of blessings. These blessings remind us that God is with us in both good times and bad, providing for our needs and leading us to a place of peace and rest.
The overall impact of having Jehovah-Rohi in our lives is profound. David concludes that "only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life," and he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. This perspective, even in the face of suffering, transforms our attitude towards life's challenges. By walking with Jehovah-Rohi, we learn to handle hard things better, knowing that our shepherd is always with us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jehovah-Rohi: The Lord is My Shepherd
- Jehovah-Rohi means "The Lord is my shepherd," a concept deeply rooted in scripture. From Genesis to John, God is depicted as a shepherd who leads, provides for, and protects His flock. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for us, illustrating the ultimate sacrifice and care. [30:45]
2. God's Provision in All Seasons
- Psalm 23 highlights eight blessings that come from having God as our shepherd, including rest, guidance, renewal, and protection. These blessings remind us that God is with us in both good times and bad, providing for our needs and leading us to a place of peace and rest. [37:38]
3. Comfort in the Darkest Valleys
- Even when we walk through the darkest valleys, we need not fear, for God is with us. David's confidence in God's presence and protection, even in the face of death, teaches us to trust our shepherd in all circumstances. [44:02]
4. Perspective in Suffering
- David's declaration that "only goodness and faithful love will pursue me" despite his suffering shows the power of perspective. By focusing on God's goodness and love, we can find peace and joy even in the midst of trials. [52:20]
5. Learning to Handle Hard Things
- Life doesn't get easier; we get better at handling hard things. By walking with Jehovah-Rohi, we learn to navigate life's challenges with grace and strength, knowing that our shepherd is always with us, guiding and providing for us. [55:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:03] - Introduction to Jehovah-Rohi
[24:45] - Personal Introduction and Context
[25:42] - Reading of Psalm 23
[28:50] - The Timeless Impact of Psalm 23
[30:45] - What Does Jehovah-Rohi Mean?
[37:38] - Eight Blessings of Having God as Our Shepherd
[44:02] - Comfort in the Darkest Valleys
[52:20] - Perspective in Suffering
[55:38] - Learning to Handle Hard Things
[58:57] - Closing Prayer and Reflections
[01:00:28] - Farewell and Guest Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Psalm 23
- Hebrews 13:20-21
- John 10:11
### Observation Questions
1. What are the two main sections of Psalm 23, and how do they depict the Lord? ([29:48])
2. According to Hebrews 13:20-21, what role does Jesus play in our lives as the great shepherd?
3. In John 10:11, how does Jesus describe Himself, and what does He say the good shepherd does for the sheep?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of God as a shepherd in Psalm 23 provide comfort and assurance in times of trouble? ([44:02])
2. What does it mean for God to lead us beside quiet waters and renew our lives, as mentioned in Psalm 23:2-3? ([39:40])
3. How does David's declaration that "only goodness and faithful love will pursue me" despite his suffering reflect a profound perspective on life's challenges? ([52:20])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were walking through the "darkest valley." How did you experience God's presence and comfort during that time? ([44:02])
2. David lists eight blessings in Psalm 23 that come from having God as our shepherd. Which of these blessings have you experienced recently, and how did it impact your faith? ([37:38])
3. How can you cultivate a perspective of seeing "only goodness and faithful love" in your life, even when facing difficult circumstances? ([52:20])
4. In what ways can you remind yourself of God's provision and guidance when you feel lost or overwhelmed? ([42:30])
5. Think about a specific challenge you are currently facing. How can you apply the lessons from Psalm 23 to navigate this challenge with faith and trust in God? ([55:38])
6. How can you support and encourage others in your small group who may be going through their own "darkest valleys"? ([44:02])
7. What practical steps can you take this week to rest in the assurance that "The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need"? ([29:48])
Devotional
Day 1: Jehovah-Rohi: The Lord is My Shepherd
The name Jehovah-Rohi, meaning "The Lord is my shepherd," is a profound concept deeply rooted in scripture. From Genesis to John, God is depicted as a shepherd who leads, provides for, and protects His flock. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for us, illustrating the ultimate sacrifice and care. This imagery of God as a shepherd is not just a comforting thought but a powerful reality that shapes our understanding of God's relationship with us. As our shepherd, God is intimately involved in our lives, guiding us through every season and ensuring our well-being.
The role of a shepherd is multifaceted, involving leading the flock to green pastures, protecting them from predators, and ensuring they are well-fed and cared for. Similarly, God takes on these roles in our lives, providing for our needs, guiding us on the right paths, and protecting us from spiritual dangers. This understanding of God as our shepherd should bring us immense comfort and assurance, knowing that we are never alone and always under His watchful care. [30:45]
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: In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more as your shepherd? How can you actively seek His guidance and provision today?
Day 2: God's Provision in All Seasons
Psalm 23 highlights eight blessings that come from having God as our shepherd, including rest, guidance, renewal, and protection. These blessings remind us that God is with us in both good times and bad, providing for our needs and leading us to a place of peace and rest. The imagery of green pastures and still waters speaks to the tranquility and provision that God offers, while the renewal of life and guidance along right paths emphasize His ongoing care and direction.
In every season of life, whether we are experiencing abundance or facing challenges, God's provision remains constant. He knows what we need and when we need it, and He is faithful to supply our needs according to His riches in glory. This assurance allows us to rest in His care, knowing that He is always working for our good and His glory. By recognizing and embracing these blessings, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in God's unfailing provision. [37:38]
Isaiah 40:11 (ESV): "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent season of your life where you experienced God's provision. How can you express your gratitude to Him today, and how can you trust Him more in the current season you are in?
Day 3: Comfort in the Darkest Valleys
Even when we walk through the darkest valleys, we need not fear, for God is with us. David's confidence in God's presence and protection, even in the face of death, teaches us to trust our shepherd in all circumstances. The "valley of the shadow of death" represents the most challenging and fearful times in our lives, yet David assures us that we are not alone in these moments. God's rod and staff, symbols of His protection and guidance, bring us comfort and security.
This assurance of God's presence in our darkest times is a powerful reminder that we are never abandoned. No matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we can find solace in knowing that our shepherd is with us, guiding us through the darkness and leading us to safety. This truth encourages us to face our fears with faith, trusting that God is always by our side, providing the strength and comfort we need to persevere. [44:02]
Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt you were in a dark valley. How did you experience God's presence and comfort during that time? How can you remind yourself of His nearness in your current struggles?
Day 4: Perspective in Suffering
David's declaration that "only goodness and faithful love will pursue me" despite his suffering shows the power of perspective. By focusing on God's goodness and love, we can find peace and joy even in the midst of trials. This perspective shift is crucial in transforming our attitude towards life's challenges. Instead of being overwhelmed by our circumstances, we can choose to see God's hand at work, bringing about His purposes and refining our character.
This perspective is not about denying the reality of our suffering but about recognizing that God's goodness and love are greater than our pain. It is about trusting that He is working all things together for our good and His glory. By keeping our eyes fixed on God's character and promises, we can navigate our trials with hope and confidence, knowing that He is with us and for us. [52:20]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your perspective to focus on God's goodness and love in the midst of your current challenges? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of His faithfulness?
Day 5: Learning to Handle Hard Things
Life doesn't get easier; we get better at handling hard things. By walking with Jehovah-Rohi, we learn to navigate life's challenges with grace and strength, knowing that our shepherd is always with us, guiding and providing for us. This journey of growth and resilience is a testament to God's work in our lives, shaping us into the people He has called us to be. As we face difficulties, we develop a deeper reliance on God and a greater capacity to endure and overcome.
This process of learning to handle hard things is not about becoming self-sufficient but about becoming more dependent on God. It is about recognizing our need for His strength and wisdom and allowing Him to work through us. By embracing this journey, we can grow in our faith and character, becoming more like Christ and better equipped to fulfill His purposes for our lives. [55:38]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are currently facing a challenge? How can you rely on God's strength and guidance to navigate this challenge with grace and resilience?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1.
> "Today as we look at the Lord as our shepherd, my hope is that we can see that we have all that we need through Jesus, that he is our provider, that he's our shepherd, that he leads us to everything that we need even when we're wanting." [17:03] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2.
> "If a regular shepherd like David will fight off a lion to protect the sheep, how much more will God do to protect you and me, his precious children? You know, we all are sheep. And the Bible presents us, God's people, as being his sheep. We're out here like sheep, kind of wandering around, going through life, trying to provide for our families, trying to lead our families to what we need and have all that we need just to be able to make it through." [35:35] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3.
> "Sometimes, things are going really great. Sometimes the pastures are green. Everything's lush and God's just blessing our life. But we've all lived long enough to know sometimes it's not. Sometimes challenges come up. Sometimes things begin to dry up and we have wants. We have needs. But in those times, we have a shepherd who leads us and provides for us all of the things that we need to be able to provide for our families." [38:28] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4.
> "Have you ever stopped and thought about the blessings that God has provided for you in your life? Sometimes in the midst of danger, in the midst of our trials, it's helpful for us to stop and to think about all the times that God has blessed us. Sometimes that's the most helpful thing that we can do." [47:12] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5.
> "We get better at doing hard things when we realize Jehovah Rohi that the Lord is my shepherd shepherd as we close today i'm gonna close this in prayer this is an opportunity as we close to think through your circumstances to think through your life and to rejoice that god's with you through it that god's gonna help you through it." [57:23] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1.
> "David knows more about being a sheep or a shepherd than perhaps any of us. He may know more about being a sheep, but he definitely knows more about being a shepherd than most of us. David was actually a shepherd when he was a child. Before he was a king, he was a shepherd. And it tells us in the Bible that one day, when he was out shepherding his sheep, a lion came to attack his sheep. And he fought off the lion, and he killed the lion to protect his sheep." [34:58] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2.
> "How does having this shepherd, how does having Jehovah-Rohi in your life affect your day-to-day circumstances? Well, in verses 2 through 5, David lists eight blessings that come as a result of having God as my shepherd. Now, I know most of you have been around church for a while, and whenever you hear the pastor say, I've got eight points, that I'm about to make, most of you don't just sit there with joy in your seat. But I want to assure you that we're going to go through these eight points really quickly." [37:01] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3.
> "What a difference perspective makes. Scholars has classified this psalm as a psalm of lament. It's a cry out to god in response to suffering as he was writing these words david was suffering as he was writing these words he was in the midst of a trial it says that that he was walking through the valley of the shadow of death this isn't just poetic words these were his circumstances these were beautiful words to describe his situation enemies were surrounding him to the point where he wasn't sure that he was going to get out of this situation he wasn't sure that he was going to make it through this situation he was walking through the valley of the shadow of death and yet he did not fear he said only goodness and faith will love will pursue me all the days of my life." [52:20] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4.
> "We learn that when we're hungry when we have needs god provides he gives us all that we need we don't have to worry about it god's got that we learn that when our souls are dry and weary and we feel worn out and we're not sure if we can face another day of busy that god's going to provide even then the rest that we need we learn that we're not alone we learn that we're not alone we learn that we're not alone that um when we're lost when we make bad choices um when we make a mess of our situations we make a mess of our circumstances we make a mess of our life because of the things that we're doing that even then god has grace for us and mercy and he leads us back to right paths he leads us back to a better path he shows us a better way." [57:23] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5.
> "As I was reading and preparing for this over the last few weeks and I was studying these these these words it kind of struck me in my heart sometimes life doesn't always feel like goodness sometimes life doesn't always feel like faithful love david's over here in the midst of his enemies rejoicing and celebrating and and talking about god's goodness but sometimes life is hard and sometimes life is so hard it doesn't feel like there's anything good in life you look around and your circumstances are so bad and you don't see anything good but it really struck me and impacted me as i was thinking this through that david david knew those feelings david had felt that way david knew pains as greatness great as mine or maybe even greater david had lost a son a newborn son who died and not only did he lose the son but he lost the son because of his sin it was his fault so not only was he dealing with the grief of and the loss of losing a son he was dealing with the guilt of knowing that it was because of him and what he did that he lost his son david had another son a beloved son absalom who betrayed him at the end of his life and he lost his son and he lost his son towards the end of his reign absalom raised up an army and took the army and tried to take over the throne from david and tried to kill david he knew betrayal he faced lions as a young boy he fought giants if we look in the bible at david's life and at david's reign there was just about no period in his entire reign when there was peace when he didn't have enemies trying to search and kill him when he didn't have enemy armies at the gates trying to destroy him there was no peace for david he was not a stranger to hurt and pain and yet as he was sitting here writing these words he says only goodness only faithful love follow me all the days of my life how can it be that david after going through so much can say all of this has been goodness all of this has been faithful love." [50:30] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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