My Shepherd, Ps 23:1

In Ps 23:1, David said, The Lord is my shepherd.  Though he was the king of Israel, and the best king Israel ever had at that, he needed a shepherd.  With the Lord as his shepherd, he had:

  • Contentment – I shall not want
  • Rest – lie down in green pastures
  • Provision – (physical) still waters; (spiritual) goodness and mercy
  • Restoration – restoreth my soul
  • Guidance – leadeth me in paths of righteousness
  • Courage – I will fear no evil
  • Fellowship – thou art with me
  • Comfort – they comfort me 
  • Protection – a table in the presence of my enemies
  • Satisfaction – my cup runneth over
  • Hope – I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever 

Do you know what?  The Lord is my Shepherd.  Let me tell you something about my shepherd.

My Shepherd is Good – Jn 10:11 – he giveth his life for the sheep.  Jesus came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  These are the same people that he wanted to destroy in the wilderness.  This is the same nation that he sent into captivity for their idolatry, pride and disobedience.  Yet he laid down his life for them.  He laid down his life for Mary Magdalene, out of who he cast seven devils.  He laid down his life for the thief on the cross, who had reviled him.  He laid down his life for Saul, who, after he had persecuted the church, was later called Paul.  He laid down his life for me.  My shepherd laid down his life for you.  Is he your shepherd?  

My Shepherd is Great – Heb 13:20-21 – David needed a shepherd to lead him, feed him, comfort and protect him.  He said, thou art with me [Ps 23:4].  And he is with us today.  He will make you perfect in every good work to do his will.  He will make you well pleasing to God.  God said of Jesus, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  And you will be pleasing in his sight.  My shepherd is great!!  Is he your shepherd?

My Shepherd is Grand – 1 Pet 5:4 – the chief Shepherd shall appear.  You’re going to see him.  The first time he came they were not happy to see him; they crucified him.  The next time he appears they won’t be happy to see him, either; they will cry for the rocks and hills to fall on them.  But we’ll be happy to see him.  We are looking forward to seeing him.  My shepherd is our blessed hope.  He is the grandest of all kings.  My shepherd is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.  Is he your shepherd?

Conclusion: If David needed a shepherd, you and I certainly need one.  Jesus wants to be your shepherd today.  Will you believe on him and receive him today?  Don’t leave here without a shepherd.  My shepherd is good, great and grand.  There is none better in all the world.