|
“He Gave Me a Song!”
Scripture: John 10:1-11
C.I.: Jesus: The Great Shepherd & Host
God used illustrations people understood (fishermen – kingdom
is like a catch; farmers – sower went to sow).
Folks in various professions today may say, “Lord is my programmer – mechanic – Physician & chief
of staff.”
Therefore, it is only nature that the shepherd boy David - who became king
- would use both areas for God!
PSALM 23
The Shepherd Cares for His Sheep (vs. 1-4)
( v. 1 ) – Beautiful words of this psalm
are true – but only for those who choose to follow the Shepherd
Everyone wants to have the peace, contentment and protection
promised – but on their own terms.
Yet what David is saying – will only be for those – who want
to be part of the Lord's flock.
( Jn. 10:3-4 ), “…the sheep hear His
voice, and follow Him….”
So, can we say, “The Lord is my shepherd”?
To a group of “wannabes - Jesus compares & contrasts His
sheep – with those who are not - ( Jn. 10:26-28 ), “…you
are not My sheep. – My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow
Me; - and I give eternal life to them.”
He will be our Shepherd if we “Hear His voice” as
He speaks from His word – ( Rom. 10:17 ).
He will be our Shepherd if we “follow Him” in obedience
to those words – ( Heb. 5:9 ).
This was a deeply personal psalm for David (17 personal pronouns).
Therefore, because of all that it means to be a follower of
the Shepherd – the 2 nd line of v. 1 , could be paraphrased
to read, “What more could I want?!”
( v. 2 ), “He makes me to lie down in
green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.”
Sheep don't lie down to eat – nor do they drink from quickly
moving streams = rest & refreshment
One of Stan's greatest ploys – to keep us ineffective & away
from God – is to keep us BUSY!
How many times have we wanted to start family devotions – but
never seem to find the time?
How often have you wanted to come to church – but something
always comes up?
Religiously the same is true – God has called us to be sheep – not
oxen (plowing, grinding, etc.).
Yet some people have been told – Jesus expects them – to work
their way into heaven.
The Jewish leadership in Jesus day told that to the people – so
Jesus contrasted their way to heaven with His way – ( Matt. 23:2-3;
11:28-30 ), “…they say things but do not do them. – They tie
heavy loads and lay them…” – “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden….”
( v. 3 ), “He restores my soul.”
One of the profound thoughts of the Bible – is that God is
in the “restoration business”!
“Soul” isn't body – it refers to the innermost part
of our very being / He can revive it!!
For lives that are shattered by death of loved ones - the
Lord can be restored – ( Psa. 68:5 ), “A father of
the fatherless & a defender of widows – is God in His holy habitation.”
For lives ruined by a lifestyle of sin – Jesus can put the
pieces back – for those who come to Him – ( Jn. 8:10-11 ), “ ‘Woman,
did no one condemn you?' And she said, ‘No one, Lord.' – Then Jesus said, ‘Neither
do I condemn you; - go your way. – From now on sin no more!'”
God make restore us – and make our lives brand new – ( II
Cor. 5:17 ).
“He guides me in the paths of righteousness - for His
name's sake.”
You don't “drive sheep” like you do cattle – Shepherds “guide
sheep.”
“Paths of righteousness” = ( Psa. 119:172 ), “…all
Your commandments are righteousness.”
“Name's sake” = Nature & attributes; God desires
for His sheep to walk in righteousness – because it is a reflection upon
His own nature – ( Lk. 6:40; I Pt. 1:15-16 ), “A disciple
is not above his teacher; but everyone after he has been fully trained,
will be like his teacher.” - Like the holy One who called you, be holy
in all your behavior; as it is written….”
( v. 4 ), “Even though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You….”
Sheep don't walk when afraid… we run! – But there
are two reasons we need not fear...
“Shadows” cannot harm us – there is no substance
to the things the Lord's sheep need fear.
( Matt. 10:28 ), “Do not fear those who
can kill the body.”
( Heb. 2:15 ), “…God might deliver those
who thru fear of death were subject to slavery…
“…You are with Me, your rod & Your staff, they comfort
me.”
I never had a “Big Brother” when growing up – and
my sister wasn't much help – but the Lord's people have nothing to fear
today – because of God's constant presence in our lives – ( Quote
I Jn. 4:4; Matt. 28:20 )!
Shepherd supplies: rest & refreshment, - restoration & guidance,
- protection & companionship!
The Host Cares for His Guests (vs. 5-6)
As a gracious host – a King would show His care for His guests
in 3 different ways ( v. 5 ):
“Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence
of my enemies”
In the Middle East – a guest could find sanctuary with their
- from any/all adversaries!
There is only one adversary faced by God's people today – ( Eph.
6:12 ).
Can you imagine eating a meal – while surrounded by your enemies…?
But in the presence of our Lord – we are victorious – ( Rom.
8:31, 37 ), “Since God is for us…!” – “In all these things
we overwhelmingly conquer thru Him who loved us.”
“Thou has anointed my head with oil.
Another custom – was to anoint the heads of their guests – Lk.
7:46 , “You did not anoint….”
The anointing a believer has today – is the precious gift
of the Spirit of God
( I Jn. 2:27 ), “As for you, you have
an anointing which you have from Him who abides in you”
“My cup overflows.”
The blessings the Lord bestows on His followers – are greater
than we could ever imagine!
( Eph. 1:3 ), “Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, who has….”
Thus, our Lord (who is both Shepherd and King) – blesses
us both in this life – AND - in the next!
( v. 7 ), “Surely goodness and lovingkindness
will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house
of the Lord forever.”
To paraphrase David - no wonder he says, “If the Lord
is your Shepherd, what more could we want?!!”
CONCLUSIONS:
1. Is the Lord truly your Shepherd? – Do you follow Him and obey the words
He has spoken?
2. Remember, God is in the restoration business. – If you need & want your
relationship restored –
because sin has come between you and your Lord … Matt. 7:21; 28:19-20
|