Rev. David Holwick A
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
January 7, 1990
Psalm 23
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I. Best-loved psalm.
A. Always requested at funerals.
1) Memorized more than any passage apart from Lord's Prayer.
B. Psalm speaks of comfort and provision in face of life's worst.
II. God as a shepherd.
A. Common OT theme.
1) In NT: Jesus and parable of lost sheep.
B. Importance of God as Shepherd.
1) Man is not ultimate measure of things.
a) He does not determine his own destiny.
b) God has made us and will provide for us.
2) Kings were also described as shepherds.
a) Man must acknowledge God as the King.
1> A pledged relationship is understood.
2> "The LORD is" is linked to "I shall".
3) We are to have a personal relationship with God.
a) "The LORD" occurs in primary position in verse 1.
b) Yet he is called "my" shepherd.
C. All our needs are met by him.
1) Cuts against our consumer-oriented society.
2) "Want" does not mean we have prosperity, but needs.
a) = Daily bread.
III. The Shepherd's relationship with his sheep.
A. Green pastures.
1) God thinks in terms of his flock's needs.
a) Faith in God refreshes life.
2) Soul. (two possibilities)
a) Straying sheep brought back.
1> Spiritual renewal or conversion.
b) Psychological sense of refreshing renewal.
1> Soul = core of our being.
2> Our life has meaning, fulfillment.
B. The paths of life.
1) Paths of righteousness.
a) Sheep - right paths.
b) Men:
1> Morally correct way in life.
2> Paths that lead to happiness.
A> For God's sake, to uphold his name.
2) Even dark paths reveal God's hand.
a) Not anemic or weak faith.
1> Does not turn away from experiences in life.
2> Is not other-worldly.
A> Its peace is not escape.
B> Its contentment is not complacency.
b) Dark paths are also "right paths."
1> This takes the sting out of any ordeal.
IV. Shadow of death.
A. Meaning of phrase.
1) Deep darkness. (NEB - dark as death)
a) Other crises can be included besides the final one.
2) Death is mainly in view here.
a) In Psalms, anything that threatens life reveals death.
B. Perspective of a mature life?
1) Psalm reveals maturity from bitter experiences.
2) There is readiness to face deep darkness and imminent attack.
a) Peace of mind.
b) In all dangers, strength.
V. The Shepherd comes alongside to escort.
A. He is a companion, and he is armed.
1) "Thou" instead of "he."
2) Rod & staff: defence and control.
B. Only the Lord can lead a man through death.
1) All other guides turn back.
2) The person must go on alone.
VI. God as a host.
A. Change in image.
1) Keller - sheep in view throughout.
2) Others - change from sheep to men.
B. Hospitality of God.
1) Bedouin shepherds were known for their hospitality.
a) Pursued by avengers, safe in his tent.
2) God's hospitality is limitless and eternal.
a) His tent is his temple. (Ps 27:1-2)
C. In the presence of enemies.
1) Not uncommon to have enemies.
Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today newspaper, believes in the
old Sicilian saying, "Hold your friends close - but your enemies
closer." His new book describes how he destroyed his enemies by
appearing to be their best friends. Some specific episodes are
described. #1008
2) God can deal with our enemies.
a) God's grace pursues us, rather than enemies.
b) Instead of just surviving a threat (v 4), we triumph
over it.
1> Table, oil, cup.
VII. Better than a feast.
A. In Old Testament, eating and drinking created a bond of loyalty.
1) Could be culminating token of a covenant.
a) Exod 24:8-12, elders eat and drank with God.
b) 1 Cor 11:25, disciples ate and drank with Jesus.
B. To be God's guest is more than an acquaintance, invited for a day.
1) It is to live with him.
2) Picture of a pilgrimage to God's house.
a) The true home of every believer.
C. Mercy and goodness.
1) Covenant words. Steady support from family or friends.
2) Follow = not tag along, but pursue.
a) As surely as his judgments follow the wicked.
3) Forever = length of days, but in context here, eternity.
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
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