Our Shepherd
Scripture: Psalm 23
Key Points:
1. The Lord is the Shepherd of His people and they are His sheep; so David said, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
In eastern lands, the shepherd goes before his flock—he leads them. They know his voice and follow him.
2. The Psalmist puts rest and refreshment first because this is the way God deals with us so often.
3. God leads us into work, into service for Him. Rest in the green pastures and refreshment by the still waters are to fit us for work.
4. And now the Shepherd leads on, not only beside the still waters of rest and the righteous paths of service, but through trouble and sorrow.
5. The Shepherd supplies all our needs in the presence of our enemies. Now it is more than rest or work—it is conflict. He provides for us here in this world. It is wilderness food—the manna of His promise, and water out of the Rock.
6. “My cup runneth over.” God’s blessing here and hereafter is more than we can receive. “Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”