December 16, 2007

PSALM 23

vs 4-6 - there is a shift from the Shepherd to the sheep

-vs1-3 - emphasized the Lord - (v2 - He)  (v3-He and His)

-vs4-6 - (v4-I, me)  (v5 - me)  (v6 - me, I will)

verse 4 - I need some Comfort

-ther are some enemies out in the world that are against the sheep - death, fear, wolves

How can we receive some comfort?

(1) KNOW Jesus Christ has conquered death - 1 Cor 15:56-58

-death - refers to everything that is dark and bitter in our lives, one of which is death

a.) death will occur in everyone's life

b.) you only die once

c.) Jesus conquered death and hell

(2) KNOW our authority in Christ has power over the spirit of fear - 2 Timothy 1:7

(3) KNOW Jesus Christ is always with us - Heb 13:5

rod - this was a weapon used for protection

***to defeat our enemies

staff - it was around 6' long - it was used to prod the sheep along

a.) to stay together

b.) to remain on the right path

v5 - a table - the sheep are now in higher country where the lush, green, best pasture lands are found

-table - means to strip off the hide

-it refers to skin or a leather mat spread out on the ground

-this speaks of the blessings of the Lord

REMEMBER 3 THINGS:

1. there are a lot more blessings that come our way than problems

2. all blessings proceed from the Lord - Dt 8:1-18

3. The Lord blesses us in the midst of our trials and difficulties

The result :

***He anoints my head with oil - this speaks of joy

-these are perfumes and fragrances that go along with a dinner or banquet

-Eccl 9:8 - rejoice in the Lord always

***My cup overflows - this represents more and more blessings/being saturated with them

-it speaks of a God who is without limits

verse 6 - Something is following me

surely - means only

What is following me?

goodness - means good fortune/a bright future/the benefits of God

mercy - means steadfast love

following - means to pursue, chase and catch someone

Why are they following me?

-the Lord is my Shepherd

-I am in His perfect will

-I am a testimony

***One of the Most important principles in life is to stay right with God:

a.) staying right with God means being saved

b.) staying right with God means knowing what is right

c.) staying right with God means repenting'

d.) staying right with God means doing what is right even though everyone else is doing what is wrong

I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER

-this speaks of heaven

-dwell - has 4 meanings:

1. it means a permanent place

-we will be in heaven forever

2. it means to settle down with a family

- we wil be reunited with friends and family members

3. it means to abide in a home

-earth is not our home/it's an inbetween world

4. it means to feel secure

-you can know you are going to heaven