Andy Nagahara (Psalms 23)
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Promise of the Shepherd to His Sheep
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (1-3a)
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (3b)
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. (4)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (5)
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, (6a)
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (6b)
1. Jesus’ fear
a. Physical and mental pain
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (1-3a)
b. Fear is temptation
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (3b)
c. Fear is temptation
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. (4)
2. Our hope
a. Physical and mental pain
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (5)
b. Fear is temptation
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, (6a)
c. Fear is temptation
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (6b)
Summary
Jesus is the shepherd who raises, leads and protects us. We are the sheep who easily get lost. It is our freedom to choose what we will follow in our life. However, who will bring us something better than Jesus?.
For Discussion
1) Why is Jesus compared to a shepherd?
2) What is the valley of the shadow of death for you?