(The most loved of all the Psalms by God’s people)
Reading: Psalm 23:1-6.
Introduction: Our title says it all, for over the ages this has been read by Jew and Gentile alike. There is a pattern with principles and a procedure to follow.
Two and three make 5 the number of grace and 6 is the number of men. The number 2 is about (Witnesses) and 3 (The Trinity of the Godhead).
Proposition: There are two figures of speech given; our Lord is spoken of as a (The) Shepherd and we are spoken of as His sheep, but it is a one-on-one deep encounter that blesses our souls. All of us are dependent on Him for our peace, protection, provision and prosperity. Secondly, we see the Lord as the host and we are His honoured guests at His table and one day there will be a banquet.
Teaching: There are 3 main points to see as a pattern – The secret things belong to Him and are revealed to us and for our children. Deuteronomy 29:29.
1) The Secret of a Sanctified Life – verses 1-3.
(The double portion is in a Spiritual Relationship and a Spiritual Reality)
John 10:11. “I AM the Good Shepherd.”
It is threefold: –
a) He shares His life with us – Father knows best. It is an abundant life. The Lord is Yehovah Yireh.
b) He gave and still gives His Life for us – The Son of God is our High Priest who ever lives to intercede.
c) He puts His life in us – by and through the Holy We are sealed and sanctified.
The great mystery of how 3 can be One, so until your eyes, heart and mind are opened. It is Spirit unto spirit. John 8:58; 10:30. Col 1:1-20.
2) The Secret of a Surrendered Life – verses 4-5. David writes of the –
a) The Tomb v4 – “I AM the resurrection and the Life.” John 11:25.
b) The Table v5 – Not just when we meet, it is an eternal celebration.
3) The Secret of a Satisfied Life – verse 6.
a) In our past,
b) In the present – ‘surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.
c) In our future – Eternity awaits. The best is yet to be.
Amen.