Eternally Thankful Sheep

Psalm 23

I. Introduction

A. The Psalms are filled with thanks and praise to God.

1. Numerous passages express deep appreciation to the Lord

2. One such passage is Psalm 79:13

a. Just what has this shepherd of the sheep has done to make us eternally thankful?

b. The answer is richly provided is Psalm 23.

B. The psalm can be viewed in three sections

II. Provision

A. Jesus gives us spiritual nourishment

1. What is so appealing about green pastures?

2. Jesus offers just what a sheep needs to grow healthy.

3. The imagery speaks of the quality of what Jesus offers.

B. Jesus restores

1. Isaiah 53:6

2. Luke 19:10

3. We were dead; we are alive to God in Christ (Col. 2:11-13)

C. Jesus leads in righteousness

1. He has shown how to live in absolute obedience (1 Peter 2:21)

2. We follow in righteousness

III. Protection

A. Death, evil may be present, but in Him there is safety (1 Cor. 15:55)

1. Imagery of sheep on the move as evening sets, shadows form, predators lurk

2. There are predators seeking to destroy spiritually (1 Peter 5:8)

3. As long as we keep close to the shepherd, keep listening to His voice, there is safety

B. Rod and staff

1. Sometimes pushing forward, sometimes reigning in (Matt 25:18; 2 John 9)

2. The Lord disciplines through a variety of means (Heb 10:24; 12:6)

C. Table in the presence of enemies

1. Our Lord blesses us even in the midst of our enemies

2. Our Lord anoints us

3. Our Lord more than satisfies

IV. Promise

A. Goodness and mercy are a part of our future through Him

1. Matt. 7:11; Matt 6:33

2. Christ will share all good things with us (Romans 8:32)

3. Matt. 5:7

B. Eternal life, eternal home (Rev. 7:16-17)

V. Conclusion

A. We may have different things to be thankful for in this life.

B. Yet we all have these in common to be thankful for.

November 22, 2009