WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.940 The Lord is my shepherd. 00:00:04.500 --> 00:00:05.980 I shall not want. 00:00:06.700 --> 00:00:09.820 He makes me lie down in green pastures. 00:00:10.560 --> 00:00:13.080 He leads me beside still waters. 00:00:14.040 --> 00:00:15.740 He restores my soul. 00:00:16.740 --> 00:00:21.300 He leads me in paths of righteousness for his namesake. 00:00:22.080 --> 00:00:26.280 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 00:00:26.820 --> 00:00:28.420 I will fear no evil. 00:00:28.420 --> 00:00:30.680 For you are with me. 00:00:31.260 --> 00:00:34.240 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 00:00:35.219 --> 00:00:39.840 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 00:00:40.760 --> 00:00:43.120 You anoint my head with oil. 00:00:43.700 --> 00:00:45.420 My cup overflows. 00:00:46.620 --> 00:00:52.359 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. 00:00:52.880 --> 00:00:56.719 And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 00:00:58.420 --> 00:01:07.120 Well, it's a real privilege to open Psalm 23 with you all this morning. 00:01:08.240 --> 00:01:10.379 It is a really precious passage, isn't it? 00:01:10.379 --> 00:01:16.339 It's one of the most instantly recognisable passages and familiar in all of Scripture. 00:01:17.879 --> 00:01:21.359 It's a passage that has been adopted by society by and large. 00:01:22.199 --> 00:01:30.579 It's the most commonly read Bible passage at funerals of believers and, interestingly, of non-believers too. 00:01:30.579 --> 00:01:35.840 In an era when Christianity's claim to truth is increasingly on the nose, 00:01:37.420 --> 00:01:44.019 people who may never have been to church like the imagery of security found in Psalm 23. 00:01:45.959 --> 00:01:51.000 And let's face it, beautiful images of prosperity and protection are hard to find offensive. 00:01:51.000 --> 00:01:58.040 But this widespread acceptance suggests to me that it's very commonly misunderstood. 00:02:00.200 --> 00:02:05.719 Martin Luther described the Psalter as a little Bible and a summary of the whole Old Testament. 00:02:07.000 --> 00:02:14.680 Indeed, today as we walk through this psalm, we're going to be encouraged by God's redemptive sweep right across history. 00:02:14.680 --> 00:02:21.620 As is progressively revealed throughout Scripture, in our privileged position, this side of Christ, 00:02:22.379 --> 00:02:26.400 we understand elements of this psalm more clearly than even David did himself. 00:02:27.520 --> 00:02:31.600 We're not going to have time to explore every aspect that's taught through this psalm, 00:02:32.159 --> 00:02:39.620 but rather, as we sweep across it, we're going to see the great hope it offers to all who submit themselves to Christ. 00:02:39.620 --> 00:02:43.300 It's interesting. 00:02:43.780 --> 00:02:46.039 I hadn't spoken to Catherine about the reading this morning, 00:02:47.000 --> 00:02:50.659 but in reading from the message, she's nailed a very important point. 00:02:51.800 --> 00:02:55.780 Now, I think the ESV's done a fantastic job in translating this familiar psalm to us 00:02:55.780 --> 00:03:00.180 and keeping a balance to making it accessible in English for us, 00:03:00.980 --> 00:03:04.920 but also keeping some of those words and phrases from which we're familiar. 00:03:04.920 --> 00:03:07.900 Many people have memorised this psalm in older versions, 00:03:07.900 --> 00:03:11.180 and the ESV's kept some of those along. 00:03:11.300 --> 00:03:16.460 It's actually an older phrasing of the passage than most of the ESV translation. 00:03:18.159 --> 00:03:19.099 Now, if you're thinking, 00:03:19.400 --> 00:03:21.740 oh, it's not so bad, I don't think it's really... 00:03:21.740 --> 00:03:22.480 What's he going on about? 00:03:23.960 --> 00:03:25.480 Think of the word shall. 00:03:25.620 --> 00:03:26.819 So it's a bit of a frivolous example. 00:03:27.599 --> 00:03:31.219 Shall pops up three times in the six verses of this psalm in the ESV. 00:03:32.140 --> 00:03:35.840 About six years ago, I swapped across to the dark side, 00:03:35.840 --> 00:03:38.939 and so my phone messages go back for six years. 00:03:39.539 --> 00:03:41.879 In that time, I've sent tens of thousands of texts. 00:03:42.500 --> 00:03:44.319 I've used the word shall once. 00:03:45.699 --> 00:03:47.939 People have used the word shall to me in a text. 00:03:48.680 --> 00:03:48.879 Never. 00:03:51.219 --> 00:03:52.759 So there's something here to unlock. 00:03:53.340 --> 00:03:54.780 We just have to be a little bit careful. 00:03:55.340 --> 00:03:58.000 We're not imposing our own meaning on these terms 00:03:58.000 --> 00:04:00.500 because we're not as familiar with what was intended by the author. 00:04:00.500 --> 00:04:05.580 So as we open it up, we'll reflect on what David was teaching here, 00:04:05.639 --> 00:04:09.000 first to the people of Israel, but then through Christ, for us. 00:04:10.080 --> 00:04:11.360 There is such a richness here 00:04:11.360 --> 00:04:14.180 that we will be left with a bigger view of our great God 00:04:14.180 --> 00:04:17.279 and comfort in our dependence upon him. 00:04:20.259 --> 00:04:21.300 The opening phrase, 00:04:21.399 --> 00:04:22.639 the Lord is my shepherd. 00:04:24.600 --> 00:04:28.120 Immediately, there is a personal relationship on display here 00:04:28.120 --> 00:04:29.899 between David and the Lord. 00:04:30.540 --> 00:04:32.439 He uses God's name given to Israel. 00:04:33.420 --> 00:04:35.180 Yahweh is my shepherd. 00:04:36.980 --> 00:04:40.319 Now, the shepherd imagery is very personal for David. 00:04:41.280 --> 00:04:44.120 He himself was a shepherd when he was chosen by the Lord to be king. 00:04:45.139 --> 00:04:48.360 It's no coincidence that Nathan uses a story of a lamb 00:04:48.360 --> 00:04:51.819 to confront David over his sin with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel. 00:04:53.060 --> 00:04:54.699 David can relate to this imagery. 00:04:54.699 --> 00:04:58.560 It's a claim to intimacy. 00:04:59.420 --> 00:05:01.319 The use of a personally revealed name 00:05:01.319 --> 00:05:05.959 along with the claim of my personal ownership. 00:05:06.699 --> 00:05:07.939 Not in a general sense. 00:05:09.459 --> 00:05:11.319 And it's important because the shepherd imagery 00:05:11.319 --> 00:05:13.379 is also precious to all of Israel. 00:05:14.459 --> 00:05:17.180 It is used of God as he leads the Israelites out of Egypt 00:05:17.180 --> 00:05:19.079 and into the land flowing with milk and honey. 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:22.240 It is because of this personal relationship with the Lord 00:05:22.240 --> 00:05:24.660 that the second half of verse 1 can exist. 00:05:25.840 --> 00:05:26.819 I shall not want. 00:05:28.480 --> 00:05:29.720 Or a more modern term, 00:05:29.939 --> 00:05:31.660 I have all that I need. 00:05:32.939 --> 00:05:34.879 This personal relationship with our God 00:05:34.879 --> 00:05:37.259 is all it takes to have all we need. 00:05:38.120 --> 00:05:39.480 It's quite a bold claim. 00:05:40.360 --> 00:05:41.980 It's a profound truth that we slip past 00:05:41.980 --> 00:05:43.500 in our familiarity all too easily. 00:05:43.500 --> 00:05:46.620 It's not the first time that this exact phrase 00:05:46.620 --> 00:05:47.920 is used in the biblical text. 00:05:48.860 --> 00:05:50.420 Moses, writing in Deuteronomy 2, 00:05:50.819 --> 00:05:53.180 speaking to the assembled Israelites in the desert, said, 00:05:53.899 --> 00:05:55.519 For the Lord your God has blessed you 00:05:55.519 --> 00:05:56.980 in all the work of your hands. 00:05:57.620 --> 00:05:58.740 He has watched over your journey 00:05:58.740 --> 00:05:59.800 through this immense wilderness. 00:06:00.800 --> 00:06:02.339 The Lord your God has been with you 00:06:02.339 --> 00:06:03.519 these past 40 years 00:06:03.519 --> 00:06:06.620 and you have lacked nothing. 00:06:06.620 --> 00:06:09.780 You have lacked nothing. 00:06:10.560 --> 00:06:11.620 I have all I need. 00:06:12.600 --> 00:06:14.319 It's a statement of God's provision. 00:06:15.259 --> 00:06:16.579 I call back to the bigger picture, 00:06:16.740 --> 00:06:18.519 putting David's relationship with his shepherd 00:06:18.519 --> 00:06:20.360 in the context of Israel's. 00:06:21.439 --> 00:06:23.959 As Israel was able to depend on the Lord for deliverance, 00:06:24.660 --> 00:06:27.060 here too, David affirms 00:06:27.060 --> 00:06:28.759 that the Lord as a shepherd is good. 00:06:29.759 --> 00:06:30.879 He expresses assurance 00:06:30.879 --> 00:06:32.800 that he has what he needs purely 00:06:32.800 --> 00:06:35.340 because it is Yahweh that is his shepherd. 00:06:35.339 --> 00:06:41.019 David is writing an Exodus song in Psalm 23 00:06:41.019 --> 00:06:43.639 and it's our song too 00:06:43.639 --> 00:06:45.519 because he is our ancestor in the faith. 00:06:46.779 --> 00:06:48.379 Every time we sing the psalm, 00:06:48.819 --> 00:06:50.219 as we're going to a bit later this morning, 00:06:51.120 --> 00:06:52.719 we're looking back and celebrating 00:06:52.719 --> 00:06:55.319 the ultimate rescue that God provided for us, 00:06:56.059 --> 00:06:58.459 not just for the Israelites from Egypt, 00:06:59.319 --> 00:07:02.019 but for us in the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:07:02.819 --> 00:07:05.099 the good shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep. 00:07:06.339 --> 00:07:09.859 In Christ we are assured that we have all we need. 00:07:12.419 --> 00:07:13.959 Then goes on in verse 2 and 3, 00:07:14.019 --> 00:07:15.619 He makes me lie down in green pastures, 00:07:15.679 --> 00:07:17.099 He leads me beside still waters, 00:07:17.759 --> 00:07:19.099 He restores my soul, 00:07:19.879 --> 00:07:21.399 He leads me in paths of righteousness. 00:07:23.559 --> 00:07:25.099 Just as for Israel, milk and honey 00:07:25.099 --> 00:07:26.699 was an image of bounty and security, 00:07:27.359 --> 00:07:29.319 here too, the green field and still waters 00:07:29.319 --> 00:07:32.659 are a symbol of ample provision and security 00:07:32.659 --> 00:07:34.079 under the Lord's guide. 00:07:36.399 --> 00:07:38.560 But the metaphor is a bit dangerous for us. 00:07:39.920 --> 00:07:42.500 Grass and quiet streams are obviously bounty for sheep. 00:07:42.500 --> 00:07:45.220 But what does your mind go to? 00:07:45.420 --> 00:07:46.600 What does your heart go to 00:07:46.600 --> 00:07:48.480 when thinking of bountiful provision? 00:07:49.879 --> 00:07:51.300 Is it a family feast? 00:07:52.240 --> 00:07:53.399 Or a big house? 00:07:54.699 --> 00:07:56.600 A fast car or a putable job? 00:07:57.360 --> 00:07:58.420 A large super balance? 00:07:58.420 --> 00:08:01.759 We are all really good 00:08:01.759 --> 00:08:04.680 at defining what our prosperity should look like. 00:08:06.540 --> 00:08:07.060 Perhaps 00:08:07.060 --> 00:08:09.520 we're not so overtly worldly, 00:08:10.420 --> 00:08:12.379 but we too easily put good things 00:08:12.379 --> 00:08:13.800 into this ultimate category as well. 00:08:15.400 --> 00:08:17.540 Perhaps we're aspiring to a conflict-free 00:08:17.540 --> 00:08:18.439 and loving marriage. 00:08:19.900 --> 00:08:21.540 Perhaps our hope is in healthy children. 00:08:21.540 --> 00:08:25.760 Or a good, even a godly reputation 00:08:25.760 --> 00:08:26.620 amongst our friends. 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:30.760 None of these things are the good things 00:08:30.760 --> 00:08:32.399 promised in these verses. 00:08:34.259 --> 00:08:35.700 The Israelites, too, 00:08:36.259 --> 00:08:37.840 thought that God should deliver prosperity 00:08:37.840 --> 00:08:38.759 on their terms. 00:08:39.659 --> 00:08:40.500 And the Lord's provision 00:08:40.500 --> 00:08:41.659 chafed at them in the wilderness. 00:08:42.620 --> 00:08:44.180 They grumbled first against Moses, 00:08:44.899 --> 00:08:46.120 but also against God himself. 00:08:46.899 --> 00:08:48.300 When God had brought them out of Egypt, 00:08:48.560 --> 00:08:49.740 that they might worship him. 00:08:49.740 --> 00:08:52.379 After the ten plagues, 00:08:52.840 --> 00:08:54.419 the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, 00:08:54.980 --> 00:08:56.560 after receiving water from the stone, 00:08:57.180 --> 00:08:57.500 manna, 00:08:57.899 --> 00:08:59.220 and then quail for their food, 00:09:00.159 --> 00:09:01.419 as soon as the scouts came back 00:09:01.419 --> 00:09:02.259 from the Promised Land, 00:09:02.980 --> 00:09:04.060 the people of Israel declare, 00:09:04.659 --> 00:09:05.980 why is the Lord bringing us 00:09:05.980 --> 00:09:07.600 into this land to die by the sword? 00:09:08.340 --> 00:09:09.320 Our wives and children 00:09:09.320 --> 00:09:10.039 will become plunder. 00:09:11.039 --> 00:09:11.620 Wouldn't it be better 00:09:11.620 --> 00:09:12.700 for us to go back to Egypt? 00:09:13.860 --> 00:09:15.060 So they said to one another, 00:09:15.419 --> 00:09:16.360 let's appoint a leader 00:09:16.360 --> 00:09:17.919 and go back to Egypt. 00:09:17.919 --> 00:09:20.219 That's in Numbers 14. 00:09:22.519 --> 00:09:23.579 Now it's often easier 00:09:23.579 --> 00:09:24.759 to see when someone else 00:09:24.759 --> 00:09:25.379 is being petty 00:09:25.379 --> 00:09:26.639 and seeking God only 00:09:26.639 --> 00:09:27.639 for what they can get from him. 00:09:28.959 --> 00:09:30.120 But this is far more 00:09:30.120 --> 00:09:31.339 of a mirror for ourselves 00:09:31.339 --> 00:09:33.039 than we can be truly comfortable with. 00:09:35.599 --> 00:09:37.099 The truth that the Israelites 00:09:37.099 --> 00:09:37.959 missed in the desert, 00:09:38.819 --> 00:09:40.019 that David nails here 00:09:40.019 --> 00:09:41.159 in Psalm 23, 00:09:42.159 --> 00:09:43.019 and that we continue 00:09:43.019 --> 00:09:43.779 to struggle with, 00:09:43.779 --> 00:09:46.019 is that the greatest thing 00:09:46.019 --> 00:09:46.980 we can ever have 00:09:46.980 --> 00:09:48.659 is God himself. 00:09:50.480 --> 00:09:52.000 The most bountiful provision 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:53.379 is to be given 00:09:53.379 --> 00:09:54.639 more access to God. 00:09:57.319 --> 00:09:58.059 Again and again 00:09:58.059 --> 00:09:58.639 before Pharaoh, 00:09:58.759 --> 00:09:59.879 Moses asked for release 00:09:59.879 --> 00:10:00.740 that they might worship 00:10:00.740 --> 00:10:01.279 their God. 00:10:02.279 --> 00:10:03.019 The whole point 00:10:03.019 --> 00:10:04.500 of shepherding Israel 00:10:04.500 --> 00:10:05.199 out of Egypt 00:10:05.199 --> 00:10:06.519 was that he might be 00:10:06.519 --> 00:10:06.980 their God 00:10:06.980 --> 00:10:08.259 and they might be 00:10:08.259 --> 00:10:08.759 his people. 00:10:08.759 --> 00:10:11.319 How easily 00:10:11.319 --> 00:10:12.019 we think the point 00:10:12.019 --> 00:10:13.059 was to obtain a land 00:10:13.059 --> 00:10:14.159 flowing with milk and honey. 00:10:18.159 --> 00:10:19.259 In 2 Corinthians, 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:20.720 a persecuted 00:10:20.720 --> 00:10:21.799 and suffering 00:10:21.799 --> 00:10:22.639 Paul writes 00:10:22.639 --> 00:10:24.059 of being 00:10:24.059 --> 00:10:25.799 as having nothing 00:10:25.799 --> 00:10:27.600 and yet 00:10:27.600 --> 00:10:28.919 possessing 00:10:28.919 --> 00:10:30.039 everything. 00:10:31.759 --> 00:10:32.620 All he had 00:10:32.620 --> 00:10:33.179 was the Lord. 00:10:34.659 --> 00:10:35.319 The Lord 00:10:35.319 --> 00:10:35.939 was his shepherd. 00:10:37.100 --> 00:10:37.539 What more 00:10:37.539 --> 00:10:38.039 does he need? 00:10:39.759 --> 00:10:40.919 This is a profound 00:10:40.919 --> 00:10:42.039 point of the opening 00:10:42.039 --> 00:10:42.899 clause of the psalm. 00:10:43.799 --> 00:10:44.639 It is not up to us 00:10:44.639 --> 00:10:45.080 to define 00:10:45.080 --> 00:10:46.039 what prosperity is. 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:47.559 Nothing other 00:10:47.559 --> 00:10:48.539 than our God himself 00:10:48.539 --> 00:10:49.139 will restore 00:10:49.139 --> 00:10:49.879 our souls 00:10:49.879 --> 00:10:50.819 as we deeply crave. 00:10:53.679 --> 00:10:54.600 Now 3 verses 00:10:54.600 --> 00:10:55.100 2 and 3, 00:10:55.139 --> 00:10:55.740 it becomes clear 00:10:55.740 --> 00:10:56.799 just how central 00:10:56.799 --> 00:10:57.799 the shepherd is 00:10:57.799 --> 00:11:00.179 to David's life. 00:11:00.980 --> 00:11:01.860 It is the shepherd 00:11:01.860 --> 00:11:02.860 that makes him lie down. 00:11:03.340 --> 00:11:03.980 The shepherd 00:11:03.980 --> 00:11:04.439 that leads 00:11:04.439 --> 00:11:05.139 to still waters. 00:11:05.319 --> 00:11:05.740 The shepherd 00:11:05.740 --> 00:11:06.659 restores his soul, 00:11:06.960 --> 00:11:07.600 giving him meaning. 00:11:07.600 --> 00:11:09.100 Like a central hub, 00:11:09.759 --> 00:11:10.500 all the aspects 00:11:10.500 --> 00:11:11.259 of David's life 00:11:11.259 --> 00:11:11.860 raiding out 00:11:11.860 --> 00:11:12.420 as the spokes 00:11:12.420 --> 00:11:12.860 of the whale. 00:11:13.759 --> 00:11:14.759 The Lord is central 00:11:14.759 --> 00:11:16.000 to this generous 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:17.279 prosperity. 00:11:18.720 --> 00:11:19.200 Indeed, 00:11:19.279 --> 00:11:19.840 it is the Lord 00:11:19.840 --> 00:11:20.360 that defines 00:11:20.360 --> 00:11:21.440 what prosperity is. 00:11:22.759 --> 00:11:23.440 Are we ready 00:11:23.440 --> 00:11:23.960 to surrender 00:11:23.960 --> 00:11:24.860 our inclinations 00:11:24.860 --> 00:11:25.800 to define 00:11:25.800 --> 00:11:26.240 what our good 00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:26.860 ought to be 00:11:26.860 --> 00:11:28.259 and truly 00:11:28.259 --> 00:11:28.879 to surrender 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:29.740 to the Lord 00:11:29.740 --> 00:11:30.379 as our shepherd? 00:11:30.379 --> 00:11:34.740 Now the mechanism 00:11:34.740 --> 00:11:35.240 through this, 00:11:35.480 --> 00:11:36.419 which this is achieved, 00:11:36.759 --> 00:11:37.360 is through God's 00:11:37.360 --> 00:11:38.439 leading in right paths. 00:11:39.220 --> 00:11:39.939 And the motivation 00:11:39.939 --> 00:11:40.620 for this 00:11:40.620 --> 00:11:41.799 is the sake 00:11:41.799 --> 00:11:42.340 of the name 00:11:42.340 --> 00:11:42.840 of the Lord. 00:11:44.240 --> 00:11:45.340 In Psalm 106, 00:11:45.419 --> 00:11:46.120 David returns 00:11:46.120 --> 00:11:46.799 to the metaphor 00:11:46.799 --> 00:11:48.939 to spell out 00:11:48.939 --> 00:11:49.759 again in more detail 00:11:49.759 --> 00:11:50.580 what God's 00:11:50.580 --> 00:11:51.439 faithful shepherding 00:11:51.439 --> 00:11:51.860 through Exodus 00:11:51.860 --> 00:11:52.419 looked like. 00:11:53.279 --> 00:11:54.279 In verses 7 and 8, 00:11:54.279 --> 00:12:12.860 Isaiah also reflects 00:12:12.860 --> 00:12:13.419 on the crossing 00:12:13.419 --> 00:12:14.100 of the Red Sea 00:12:14.100 --> 00:12:15.199 in chapter 63. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:16.980 So you led your people 00:12:16.980 --> 00:12:18.759 to make for yourself 00:12:18.759 --> 00:12:20.319 a glorious name. 00:12:22.079 --> 00:12:22.879 God's right paths 00:12:22.879 --> 00:12:23.679 are best for us. 00:12:24.279 --> 00:12:25.939 But first and foremost, 00:12:26.839 --> 00:12:27.279 they are about 00:12:27.279 --> 00:12:27.919 his glory, 00:12:28.699 --> 00:12:29.319 not our own. 00:12:32.139 --> 00:12:32.879 And as we arrive 00:12:32.879 --> 00:12:33.559 at verse 4, 00:12:34.139 --> 00:12:34.579 the tense 00:12:34.579 --> 00:12:35.539 of the psalm changes. 00:12:36.339 --> 00:12:36.899 We move 00:12:36.899 --> 00:12:37.639 from reflection 00:12:37.639 --> 00:12:38.759 into the present. 00:12:40.159 --> 00:12:40.919 Even though I walk 00:12:40.919 --> 00:12:41.519 through the valley 00:12:41.519 --> 00:12:42.139 of the shadow 00:12:42.139 --> 00:12:42.659 of death. 00:12:44.419 --> 00:12:44.899 Walking 00:12:44.899 --> 00:12:45.679 through the wilderness 00:12:45.679 --> 00:12:46.699 in Jeremiah 00:12:46.699 --> 00:12:47.539 is referred to 00:12:47.539 --> 00:12:48.079 as walking 00:12:48.079 --> 00:12:48.779 through the valley 00:12:48.779 --> 00:12:49.179 of shadow. 00:12:49.980 --> 00:12:50.699 But here it's been 00:12:50.699 --> 00:12:51.399 amped up a notch. 00:12:52.559 --> 00:12:53.360 What is going on? 00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:55.819 What happens 00:12:55.819 --> 00:12:56.620 to the promised 00:12:56.620 --> 00:12:58.079 green pastures 00:12:58.079 --> 00:12:58.919 and still waters? 00:13:00.759 --> 00:13:01.519 It jars, 00:13:01.600 --> 00:13:01.959 doesn't it? 00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:04.939 We don't know 00:13:04.939 --> 00:13:05.600 when this psalm 00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:06.339 was written by David, 00:13:06.439 --> 00:13:07.299 but a lot of commentators 00:13:07.299 --> 00:13:08.240 point to a period 00:13:08.240 --> 00:13:09.159 when David 00:13:09.159 --> 00:13:10.220 was being hunted down 00:13:10.220 --> 00:13:11.299 by his son Absalom. 00:13:12.059 --> 00:13:12.959 A son he loved, 00:13:14.000 --> 00:13:14.459 but a son 00:13:14.459 --> 00:13:15.299 who wanted him dead 00:13:15.299 --> 00:13:16.159 so that he could 00:13:16.159 --> 00:13:16.819 be king instead. 00:13:18.919 --> 00:13:19.519 David certainly 00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:20.360 knew what it was 00:13:20.360 --> 00:13:21.300 to walk surrounded 00:13:21.300 --> 00:13:21.899 by the shadow 00:13:21.899 --> 00:13:22.360 of death. 00:13:24.180 --> 00:13:24.980 But the apparent 00:13:24.980 --> 00:13:25.580 clash here 00:13:25.580 --> 00:13:26.259 in verse 4 00:13:26.259 --> 00:13:27.860 is largely one 00:13:27.860 --> 00:13:28.800 for our western eyes. 00:13:30.060 --> 00:13:30.860 We've been drawn 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:31.659 into this psalm 00:13:31.659 --> 00:13:32.700 as a story. 00:13:33.899 --> 00:13:34.720 At first glance 00:13:34.720 --> 00:13:35.259 it has this 00:13:35.259 --> 00:13:36.940 classical story format. 00:13:38.080 --> 00:13:38.940 Begins with order 00:13:38.940 --> 00:13:39.500 and balance 00:13:39.500 --> 00:13:40.779 that is then removed. 00:13:41.240 --> 00:13:41.879 The order is 00:13:41.879 --> 00:13:42.779 restored by the hero 00:13:42.779 --> 00:13:43.800 and everyone lives 00:13:43.800 --> 00:13:44.639 happily ever after. 00:13:44.639 --> 00:13:47.699 But this is not a story. 00:13:48.559 --> 00:13:49.340 This is a song. 00:13:49.480 --> 00:13:50.480 It's poetic prose. 00:13:51.059 --> 00:13:51.879 There are three scenes 00:13:51.879 --> 00:13:52.439 in this psalm 00:13:52.439 --> 00:13:53.559 and all three 00:13:53.559 --> 00:13:55.059 are true concurrently 00:13:55.059 --> 00:13:56.080 at the same time, 00:13:56.740 --> 00:13:57.460 not sequentially 00:13:57.460 --> 00:13:58.259 one after the other. 00:14:00.379 --> 00:14:01.259 When we view 00:14:01.259 --> 00:14:02.199 it like a story 00:14:02.199 --> 00:14:02.559 we end up 00:14:02.559 --> 00:14:03.139 with the conclusion 00:14:03.139 --> 00:14:04.039 that the only point 00:14:04.039 --> 00:14:04.759 of all of this 00:14:04.759 --> 00:14:05.519 is to get to heaven. 00:14:06.439 --> 00:14:07.799 We miss the true richness 00:14:07.799 --> 00:14:08.720 of what David 00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:09.179 is saying 00:14:09.179 --> 00:14:09.679 we are offered 00:14:09.679 --> 00:14:10.220 in the Lord 00:14:10.220 --> 00:14:11.840 both here and now 00:14:11.840 --> 00:14:12.220 while living 00:14:12.220 --> 00:14:13.120 in this broken world 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:14.620 and then ultimately 00:14:14.620 --> 00:14:15.879 realised in heaven 00:14:15.879 --> 00:14:16.299 as well. 00:14:17.779 --> 00:14:18.639 Unlike our regular 00:14:18.639 --> 00:14:19.460 Western formula 00:14:19.460 --> 00:14:20.700 Hebrew thought 00:14:20.700 --> 00:14:21.399 often works 00:14:21.399 --> 00:14:22.240 by building 00:14:22.240 --> 00:14:22.879 to a main point 00:14:22.879 --> 00:14:23.340 in the middle 00:14:23.340 --> 00:14:24.659 and then filling 00:14:24.659 --> 00:14:25.279 out the idea 00:14:25.279 --> 00:14:26.179 by working back 00:14:26.179 --> 00:14:27.100 outward from the peak 00:14:27.100 --> 00:14:27.360 again. 00:14:28.500 --> 00:14:28.860 And that's what 00:14:28.860 --> 00:14:29.600 I've tried to allude 00:14:29.600 --> 00:14:30.360 to as a structure 00:14:30.360 --> 00:14:31.159 for the sermon outline 00:14:31.159 --> 00:14:31.960 on the back 00:14:31.960 --> 00:14:32.480 of your bulletin 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:32.899 if you're wondering 00:14:32.899 --> 00:14:33.620 what's going on there. 00:14:36.639 --> 00:14:37.659 It's the practice 00:14:37.659 --> 00:14:38.799 that the conclusion 00:14:38.799 --> 00:14:40.039 is right in the middle 00:14:40.039 --> 00:14:41.259 seated between 00:14:41.259 --> 00:14:42.200 two work examples 00:14:42.200 --> 00:14:43.280 in verse 1 to 3 00:14:43.280 --> 00:14:44.720 and then 5 and 6. 00:14:45.879 --> 00:14:46.640 The whole psalm 00:14:46.640 --> 00:14:47.940 emphasises the phrase 00:14:47.940 --> 00:14:49.300 for you 00:14:49.300 --> 00:14:50.080 are with me. 00:14:51.600 --> 00:14:52.440 The dark valley 00:14:52.440 --> 00:14:53.440 is the self-same 00:14:53.440 --> 00:14:54.000 right path 00:14:54.000 --> 00:14:54.860 as the green fields 00:14:54.860 --> 00:14:55.560 and still waters. 00:14:56.520 --> 00:14:57.600 The intimate relationship 00:14:57.600 --> 00:14:58.180 with the Lord 00:14:58.180 --> 00:14:59.000 transforms 00:14:59.000 --> 00:14:59.740 how we view 00:14:59.740 --> 00:15:00.980 even the darkest 00:15:00.980 --> 00:15:02.060 worldly circumstances. 00:15:03.280 --> 00:15:04.000 We remain 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:04.820 on the right path. 00:15:05.540 --> 00:15:05.960 Our access 00:15:05.960 --> 00:15:06.680 to green grass 00:15:06.680 --> 00:15:07.340 and pure water 00:15:07.340 --> 00:15:08.140 remains secure 00:15:08.140 --> 00:15:09.240 in our shepherd. 00:15:09.240 --> 00:15:09.299 shepherd. 00:15:10.440 --> 00:15:11.759 The entire psalm 00:15:11.759 --> 00:15:12.620 centers this stunning 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:12.980 idea 00:15:12.980 --> 00:15:14.720 that the greatest 00:15:14.720 --> 00:15:15.740 strongest 00:15:15.740 --> 00:15:17.080 the most gentle 00:15:17.080 --> 00:15:17.919 and generous shepherd 00:15:17.919 --> 00:15:19.759 is with us. 00:15:21.680 --> 00:15:22.720 That was the confidence 00:15:22.720 --> 00:15:23.700 of David to say 00:15:23.700 --> 00:15:24.659 that he shall not want. 00:15:25.379 --> 00:15:26.480 What more could he have 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:27.000 than to be 00:15:27.000 --> 00:15:27.620 with the shepherd 00:15:27.620 --> 00:15:28.200 himself? 00:15:29.600 --> 00:15:30.620 This is the confidence 00:15:30.620 --> 00:15:31.340 of a boy 00:15:31.340 --> 00:15:32.259 standing before 00:15:32.259 --> 00:15:32.879 a fully armed 00:15:32.879 --> 00:15:33.399 Goliath 00:15:33.399 --> 00:15:34.840 with nothing but a sling 00:15:34.840 --> 00:15:35.639 and a few stones. 00:15:35.639 --> 00:15:38.699 The crescendo 00:15:38.699 --> 00:15:39.539 of Psalm 23 00:15:39.539 --> 00:15:40.679 that God is with us 00:15:40.679 --> 00:15:41.960 his chosen people 00:15:41.960 --> 00:15:43.759 is a biblical theme 00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:44.480 that's not limited 00:15:44.480 --> 00:15:45.480 to just this psalm. 00:15:47.080 --> 00:15:48.100 God was with Adam 00:15:48.100 --> 00:15:48.399 and Eve 00:15:48.399 --> 00:15:48.860 in the garden 00:15:48.860 --> 00:15:49.639 before the fall. 00:15:50.919 --> 00:15:51.679 The fall resulted 00:15:51.679 --> 00:15:52.319 in separation 00:15:52.319 --> 00:15:53.840 for all of Adam's 00:15:53.840 --> 00:15:54.500 children. 00:15:55.960 --> 00:15:56.759 God promises 00:15:56.759 --> 00:15:57.319 to Abraham 00:15:57.319 --> 00:15:58.120 to make a people 00:15:58.120 --> 00:15:59.019 for himself. 00:16:00.220 --> 00:16:00.700 God promises 00:16:00.700 --> 00:16:01.500 to be with Moses 00:16:01.500 --> 00:16:01.980 as he goes 00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:02.620 before Pharaoh. 00:16:03.080 --> 00:16:03.799 God is symbolically 00:16:03.799 --> 00:16:04.480 with Israel 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:05.179 through the ark 00:16:05.179 --> 00:16:05.719 and the temple. 00:16:06.559 --> 00:16:07.399 Jesus himself 00:16:07.399 --> 00:16:08.459 is known as Emmanuel 00:16:08.459 --> 00:16:10.659 God with us. 00:16:11.859 --> 00:16:12.500 When Jesus 00:16:12.500 --> 00:16:13.039 is preparing 00:16:13.039 --> 00:16:13.620 his disciples 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:14.359 for his departure 00:16:14.359 --> 00:16:16.120 he sends the Holy Spirit 00:16:16.120 --> 00:16:17.500 that he could be 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:17.959 within us 00:16:17.959 --> 00:16:18.620 and with us 00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:20.459 and Jesus' famous promise 00:16:20.459 --> 00:16:21.559 is the Great Commission. 00:16:23.159 --> 00:16:23.599 Behold 00:16:23.599 --> 00:16:24.399 I am with you 00:16:24.399 --> 00:16:25.179 always 00:16:25.179 --> 00:16:26.159 to the end 00:16:26.159 --> 00:16:26.719 of the age. 00:16:28.579 --> 00:16:28.879 Indeed 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:29.539 at the conclusion 00:16:29.539 --> 00:16:30.099 of Revelation 00:16:30.099 --> 00:16:30.539 again 00:16:30.539 --> 00:16:31.240 it is an image 00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:31.659 of being 00:16:31.659 --> 00:16:32.479 with God. 00:16:33.399 --> 00:16:33.839 Behold 00:16:33.839 --> 00:16:34.740 the dwelling place 00:16:34.740 --> 00:16:35.080 of God 00:16:35.080 --> 00:16:35.700 is with man 00:16:35.700 --> 00:16:36.740 he will dwell 00:16:36.740 --> 00:16:37.120 with them 00:16:37.120 --> 00:16:38.120 and they will 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:38.740 be his people 00:16:38.740 --> 00:16:39.560 and God himself 00:16:39.560 --> 00:16:40.480 will be with them 00:16:40.480 --> 00:16:41.680 as their God. 00:16:42.600 --> 00:16:43.820 Revelation chapter 21. 00:16:46.299 --> 00:16:47.320 Why don't we see 00:16:47.320 --> 00:16:47.759 this 00:16:47.759 --> 00:16:48.820 as the answer 00:16:48.820 --> 00:16:49.680 to life's ills 00:16:49.680 --> 00:16:50.980 as David does? 00:16:54.120 --> 00:16:55.419 Why are we so inclined 00:16:55.419 --> 00:16:56.560 to see God's blessing 00:16:56.560 --> 00:16:57.019 to us 00:16:57.019 --> 00:16:57.700 exclusively 00:16:57.700 --> 00:16:59.019 in material terms? 00:16:59.019 --> 00:17:02.279 yet we find 00:17:02.279 --> 00:17:02.679 it hard 00:17:02.679 --> 00:17:03.279 to notice 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:04.619 the extravagance 00:17:04.619 --> 00:17:05.119 of his offer 00:17:05.119 --> 00:17:06.480 to be with us 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:06.819 for us 00:17:06.819 --> 00:17:07.700 to be with him. 00:17:11.299 --> 00:17:12.200 How would our lives 00:17:12.200 --> 00:17:12.619 be different 00:17:12.619 --> 00:17:13.319 if we saw this 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:13.839 as clearly 00:17:13.839 --> 00:17:14.660 as David does? 00:17:17.339 --> 00:17:18.400 Now David's confidence 00:17:18.400 --> 00:17:19.299 in the valley 00:17:19.299 --> 00:17:20.000 of the death 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:21.759 is not an idle fancy. 00:17:22.720 --> 00:17:23.339 We have seen 00:17:23.339 --> 00:17:24.059 how it's been built 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:24.740 on a foundation 00:17:24.740 --> 00:17:26.160 of God's past faithfulness 00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:28.340 but here he expands it 00:17:28.340 --> 00:17:30.180 to God's present faithfulness. 00:17:31.300 --> 00:17:31.820 Two images 00:17:31.820 --> 00:17:32.160 are used 00:17:32.160 --> 00:17:32.600 to focus 00:17:32.600 --> 00:17:33.759 on specific aspects 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:34.800 of our God's character. 00:17:35.560 --> 00:17:36.240 Both demonstrate 00:17:36.240 --> 00:17:37.400 he is more than capable 00:17:37.400 --> 00:17:37.960 to deliver 00:17:37.960 --> 00:17:38.620 on his promises. 00:17:39.779 --> 00:17:40.240 Firstly 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:41.300 the rod 00:17:41.300 --> 00:17:41.900 or the club 00:17:41.900 --> 00:17:43.640 the weapon of choice 00:17:43.640 --> 00:17:44.160 for shepherds 00:17:44.160 --> 00:17:44.720 as they protect 00:17:44.720 --> 00:17:45.220 their flock. 00:17:46.240 --> 00:17:46.720 A simple 00:17:46.720 --> 00:17:47.820 yet effective weapon 00:17:47.820 --> 00:17:48.580 in the skilled hands 00:17:48.580 --> 00:17:49.000 of a shepherd 00:17:49.000 --> 00:17:50.180 it was a capable 00:17:50.180 --> 00:17:50.740 provider 00:17:50.740 --> 00:17:51.400 of protection 00:17:51.400 --> 00:17:52.019 for the flock 00:17:52.019 --> 00:17:52.740 under his care. 00:17:54.120 --> 00:17:55.220 The second item 00:17:55.220 --> 00:17:56.299 is the staff 00:17:56.299 --> 00:17:57.440 which we might 00:17:57.440 --> 00:17:58.279 also call a crook. 00:18:00.579 --> 00:18:01.460 It's a tool 00:18:01.460 --> 00:18:02.319 of direction 00:18:02.319 --> 00:18:03.279 or guidance. 00:18:04.140 --> 00:18:04.640 God's presence 00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:05.740 is not hypothetical 00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:07.640 but he's hands on 00:18:07.640 --> 00:18:08.700 in correcting his sheep 00:18:08.700 --> 00:18:09.839 in guiding them. 00:18:10.500 --> 00:18:11.319 He makes his sheep 00:18:11.319 --> 00:18:12.319 follow the right paths. 00:18:13.600 --> 00:18:14.720 It is not an easy way 00:18:14.720 --> 00:18:16.460 but it is secured 00:18:16.460 --> 00:18:17.539 by the father's strength 00:18:17.539 --> 00:18:18.799 not David's capacity 00:18:18.799 --> 00:18:19.579 to boldly follow. 00:18:20.779 --> 00:18:21.960 Seeing God's power 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:23.319 knowing his control 00:18:23.319 --> 00:18:23.940 brings comfort 00:18:23.940 --> 00:18:25.140 to those who are his sheep. 00:18:25.880 --> 00:18:26.519 They trust 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:27.180 in his providence 00:18:27.180 --> 00:18:28.720 not in their own wisdom. 00:18:30.180 --> 00:18:30.660 When we hit 00:18:30.660 --> 00:18:31.400 verse 5 00:18:31.400 --> 00:18:32.940 we're now done 00:18:32.940 --> 00:18:33.700 with the shepherd imagery. 00:18:34.460 --> 00:18:35.019 It has served 00:18:35.019 --> 00:18:35.500 its purpose. 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:37.019 We move on 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:38.299 to the very human image 00:18:38.299 --> 00:18:39.640 of a dinner party 00:18:39.640 --> 00:18:41.140 a celebration 00:18:41.140 --> 00:18:42.039 by the host 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:44.319 and what a host 00:18:44.319 --> 00:18:45.339 we see portrayed here. 00:18:47.860 --> 00:18:48.620 You prepare 00:18:48.620 --> 00:18:49.079 a table 00:18:49.079 --> 00:18:49.640 before me 00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:50.920 in the presence 00:18:50.920 --> 00:18:51.880 of my enemies. 00:18:51.880 --> 00:18:55.700 The realism 00:18:55.700 --> 00:18:56.340 of this psalm 00:18:56.340 --> 00:18:56.960 should be a great 00:18:56.960 --> 00:18:57.700 comfort to us. 00:18:59.200 --> 00:18:59.980 This table 00:18:59.980 --> 00:19:00.520 is set 00:19:00.520 --> 00:19:01.860 while enemies 00:19:01.860 --> 00:19:02.380 watch on. 00:19:03.860 --> 00:19:05.240 There are dark paths 00:19:05.240 --> 00:19:06.940 as well as green fields. 00:19:08.360 --> 00:19:09.560 We can see life 00:19:09.560 --> 00:19:10.840 as we experience it 00:19:10.840 --> 00:19:12.100 reflected in this reality. 00:19:13.260 --> 00:19:14.020 Just as Jesus 00:19:14.020 --> 00:19:14.720 became a man 00:19:14.720 --> 00:19:15.500 and walked the earth 00:19:15.500 --> 00:19:17.060 God gets it. 00:19:17.480 --> 00:19:18.460 He gets us 00:19:18.460 --> 00:19:20.180 and he is enough. 00:19:22.180 --> 00:19:22.660 Nothing 00:19:22.660 --> 00:19:23.740 is going to stop him 00:19:23.740 --> 00:19:24.559 hosting this party 00:19:24.559 --> 00:19:26.140 not the presence 00:19:26.140 --> 00:19:26.660 of enemies. 00:19:28.539 --> 00:19:29.079 Note though 00:19:29.079 --> 00:19:30.240 that this party 00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:31.120 is not for them. 00:19:32.420 --> 00:19:33.160 They can see 00:19:33.160 --> 00:19:34.720 but do not 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:35.140 embrace 00:19:35.140 --> 00:19:35.720 our God. 00:19:37.400 --> 00:19:38.579 There is a warning here. 00:19:38.900 --> 00:19:39.660 Although Psalm 23 00:19:39.660 --> 00:19:40.680 is widely embraced 00:19:40.680 --> 00:19:41.600 by non-Christians 00:19:41.599 --> 00:19:43.099 the psalm 00:19:43.099 --> 00:19:43.379 itself 00:19:43.379 --> 00:19:43.719 does not 00:19:43.719 --> 00:19:44.279 embrace them. 00:19:45.959 --> 00:19:46.359 Indeed 00:19:46.359 --> 00:19:47.719 at each point 00:19:47.719 --> 00:19:48.500 the good promises 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:49.339 and comfort 00:19:49.339 --> 00:19:49.719 offered 00:19:49.719 --> 00:19:51.480 specifically exclude 00:19:51.480 --> 00:19:52.000 those 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:52.719 who are not 00:19:52.719 --> 00:19:53.559 invited to the party 00:19:53.559 --> 00:19:53.899 here 00:19:53.899 --> 00:19:55.500 or do not 00:19:55.500 --> 00:19:56.099 submit to the Lord 00:19:56.099 --> 00:19:56.599 as their shepherd 00:19:56.599 --> 00:19:57.000 earlier. 00:20:00.159 --> 00:20:00.879 There will be 00:20:00.879 --> 00:20:01.279 people here 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:01.759 this morning 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:02.659 in that camp. 00:20:06.959 --> 00:20:07.639 Don't allow 00:20:07.639 --> 00:20:08.279 yourself to be 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:08.699 fooled into 00:20:08.699 --> 00:20:09.299 comfort here. 00:20:10.240 --> 00:20:11.079 If you are not 00:20:11.079 --> 00:20:11.779 willing to submit 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:12.319 to the shepherd 00:20:12.319 --> 00:20:13.059 to take Christ 00:20:13.059 --> 00:20:13.699 as your Lord 00:20:13.699 --> 00:20:15.639 nor are you 00:20:15.639 --> 00:20:16.539 invited to the party. 00:20:17.539 --> 00:20:18.599 There is no hope 00:20:18.599 --> 00:20:19.480 offered other than 00:20:19.480 --> 00:20:20.299 the free invitation 00:20:20.299 --> 00:20:20.799 to join. 00:20:22.359 --> 00:20:22.919 Jesus' offer 00:20:22.919 --> 00:20:23.699 still stands 00:20:23.699 --> 00:20:25.159 come to me 00:20:25.159 --> 00:20:26.059 all of you 00:20:26.059 --> 00:20:26.599 who are weary 00:20:26.599 --> 00:20:27.220 and burdened 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:27.859 and I will give you 00:20:27.859 --> 00:20:28.199 rest. 00:20:28.879 --> 00:20:29.539 Take my yoke 00:20:29.539 --> 00:20:30.039 upon you 00:20:30.039 --> 00:20:31.179 and learn from me 00:20:31.179 --> 00:20:32.179 because I am lowly 00:20:32.179 --> 00:20:32.919 and humble in heart 00:20:32.919 --> 00:20:34.139 and you will find 00:20:34.139 --> 00:20:35.179 rest for your souls 00:20:35.179 --> 00:20:37.000 for my yoke is easy 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:37.460 and my burden 00:20:37.460 --> 00:20:37.859 is light. 00:20:37.859 --> 00:20:40.679 This is exactly 00:20:40.679 --> 00:20:41.359 the hope we see 00:20:41.359 --> 00:20:42.539 affirmed in Psalm 23. 00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:45.479 Don't be left 00:20:45.479 --> 00:20:46.779 looking on alone 00:20:46.779 --> 00:20:47.639 in the valley 00:20:47.639 --> 00:20:48.019 of shadow. 00:20:50.500 --> 00:20:51.279 As the party 00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:52.279 metaphor continues 00:20:52.279 --> 00:20:53.939 you anoint my head 00:20:53.939 --> 00:20:54.319 with oil 00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:55.859 my cup overflows. 00:20:57.659 --> 00:20:58.099 Again 00:20:58.099 --> 00:20:59.000 this is a new 00:20:59.000 --> 00:20:59.719 image of 00:20:59.719 --> 00:21:00.599 bountiful vision. 00:21:02.319 --> 00:21:03.000 I'm not sure 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:03.459 about you though 00:21:03.459 --> 00:21:04.059 but when I read 00:21:04.059 --> 00:21:04.799 about anointing 00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:05.559 the head with oil 00:21:05.559 --> 00:21:06.299 my mind jumps 00:21:06.299 --> 00:21:07.099 straight to Samuel 00:21:07.099 --> 00:21:07.720 anointing David 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:08.099 with oil 00:21:08.099 --> 00:21:08.700 as God's 00:21:08.700 --> 00:21:09.279 chosen king. 00:21:10.299 --> 00:21:10.899 But that's 00:21:10.899 --> 00:21:11.419 actually not 00:21:11.419 --> 00:21:11.960 what's going 00:21:11.960 --> 00:21:12.619 on in this verse. 00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:13.919 In Hebrew 00:21:13.919 --> 00:21:14.539 it's a different 00:21:14.539 --> 00:21:15.059 word for a 00:21:15.059 --> 00:21:15.680 different purpose. 00:21:16.839 --> 00:21:17.500 At that time 00:21:17.500 --> 00:21:18.539 it was customary 00:21:18.539 --> 00:21:19.559 as host of the day 00:21:19.559 --> 00:21:20.859 to provide fragrant 00:21:20.859 --> 00:21:21.680 oil for your guests 00:21:21.680 --> 00:21:22.259 when they arrived 00:21:22.259 --> 00:21:22.879 at your place. 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:24.460 It's more akin 00:21:24.460 --> 00:21:25.099 to something like 00:21:25.099 --> 00:21:25.759 Mary Mangeline 00:21:25.759 --> 00:21:26.419 when she washed 00:21:26.419 --> 00:21:27.079 Jesus' feet 00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:27.700 and then anointed 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:28.599 them with perfume. 00:21:30.159 --> 00:21:30.980 It's an image 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:31.519 of abundant 00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:32.700 extravagant generosity 00:21:32.700 --> 00:21:34.159 the precious 00:21:34.159 --> 00:21:34.799 refreshing oil 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:35.279 provided. 00:21:36.299 --> 00:21:36.940 And the cup 00:21:36.940 --> 00:21:38.299 is overflowing. 00:21:41.099 --> 00:21:41.940 It is an image 00:21:41.940 --> 00:21:42.440 of bounty 00:21:42.440 --> 00:21:43.059 of generous 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:43.440 welcome. 00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:44.740 Remember the 00:21:44.740 --> 00:21:45.359 symmetry of the 00:21:45.359 --> 00:21:45.700 psalm? 00:21:46.299 --> 00:21:46.759 It opened 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:47.399 affirming the 00:21:47.399 --> 00:21:48.240 centrality of 00:21:48.240 --> 00:21:48.819 God's past 00:21:48.819 --> 00:21:49.440 faithfulness to 00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:49.899 how David 00:21:49.899 --> 00:21:50.319 views the 00:21:50.319 --> 00:21:50.599 world. 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:51.919 He does not 00:21:51.919 --> 00:21:52.159 want. 00:21:53.359 --> 00:21:54.440 Now as we 00:21:54.440 --> 00:21:55.019 come down from 00:21:55.019 --> 00:21:55.519 the crescendo 00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:56.299 of that intimate 00:21:56.299 --> 00:21:57.639 relationship in 00:21:57.639 --> 00:21:58.079 the spotlight 00:21:58.079 --> 00:21:59.659 we wrap up 00:21:59.659 --> 00:22:00.500 by looking forward 00:22:00.500 --> 00:22:01.220 to God's future 00:22:01.220 --> 00:22:01.839 faithfulness 00:22:01.839 --> 00:22:03.859 certain and 00:22:03.859 --> 00:22:04.200 sure. 00:22:04.200 --> 00:22:06.480 Surely 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:07.279 goodness and 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:07.740 mercy shall 00:22:07.740 --> 00:22:08.180 follow me 00:22:08.180 --> 00:22:08.779 all the days 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:09.319 of my life 00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:10.539 and I shall 00:22:10.539 --> 00:22:11.080 dwell in the 00:22:11.080 --> 00:22:11.559 house of the 00:22:11.559 --> 00:22:12.080 Lord forever. 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:14.720 Here again 00:22:14.720 --> 00:22:15.299 the old English 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:15.819 doesn't speak 00:22:15.819 --> 00:22:16.600 clearly to my 00:22:16.600 --> 00:22:16.900 ears. 00:22:17.660 --> 00:22:17.940 A more 00:22:17.940 --> 00:22:18.380 contemporary 00:22:18.380 --> 00:22:19.080 phrasing of 00:22:19.080 --> 00:22:19.720 verse 6 00:22:19.720 --> 00:22:20.940 is faithful 00:22:20.940 --> 00:22:21.600 love will 00:22:21.600 --> 00:22:22.299 pursue me 00:22:22.299 --> 00:22:23.000 all the days 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:23.600 of my life. 00:22:23.599 --> 00:22:25.939 This is the 00:22:25.939 --> 00:22:26.879 Lord actively 00:22:26.879 --> 00:22:27.599 seeking out 00:22:27.599 --> 00:22:28.279 David's good 00:22:28.279 --> 00:22:29.959 pursuing him 00:22:29.959 --> 00:22:31.000 without stopping 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:32.539 without ultimate 00:22:32.539 --> 00:22:33.500 success assured 00:22:33.500 --> 00:22:34.779 as David's 00:22:34.779 --> 00:22:35.579 place in the 00:22:35.579 --> 00:22:36.299 Lord is secured 00:22:36.299 --> 00:22:36.659 forever. 00:22:37.719 --> 00:22:38.759 It's not based 00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:39.339 on David's 00:22:39.339 --> 00:22:39.819 actions or 00:22:39.819 --> 00:22:41.379 abilities but 00:22:41.379 --> 00:22:42.240 entirely on the 00:22:42.240 --> 00:22:42.879 Lord's strength. 00:22:44.179 --> 00:22:45.059 Just as a 00:22:45.059 --> 00:22:45.419 sheep is 00:22:45.419 --> 00:22:45.919 dependent on 00:22:45.919 --> 00:22:46.319 the shepherd 00:22:46.319 --> 00:22:47.439 here again is 00:22:47.439 --> 00:22:48.019 an expression of 00:22:48.019 --> 00:22:48.659 God's faithful 00:22:48.659 --> 00:22:49.459 and reliable 00:22:49.459 --> 00:22:49.939 goodness to 00:22:49.939 --> 00:22:51.199 David in 00:22:51.199 --> 00:22:51.980 Christ to us 00:22:51.980 --> 00:22:53.120 as his people 00:22:53.120 --> 00:22:53.860 purchased at 00:22:53.860 --> 00:22:54.460 grace price. 00:22:56.640 --> 00:22:57.480 David looks 00:22:57.480 --> 00:22:58.259 to the security 00:22:58.259 --> 00:22:58.559 of his 00:22:58.559 --> 00:22:59.400 relationship with 00:22:59.400 --> 00:22:59.819 the Lord 00:22:59.819 --> 00:23:00.940 of the ultimate 00:23:00.940 --> 00:23:01.779 success assured 00:23:01.779 --> 00:23:02.620 based only on 00:23:02.620 --> 00:23:03.000 the Lord's 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:03.259 word. 00:23:04.599 --> 00:23:04.920 Remember 00:23:04.920 --> 00:23:06.279 David didn't 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:06.799 have the plan 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:07.220 laid out. 00:23:08.339 --> 00:23:08.680 He wasn't 00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:09.360 aware of the 00:23:09.360 --> 00:23:09.900 price that would 00:23:09.900 --> 00:23:10.799 be paid to 00:23:10.799 --> 00:23:11.279 secure his 00:23:11.279 --> 00:23:11.839 salvation on 00:23:11.839 --> 00:23:12.240 the cross. 00:23:13.519 --> 00:23:14.180 How much 00:23:14.180 --> 00:23:14.620 more do we 00:23:14.620 --> 00:23:15.240 have to take 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:15.900 confidence in? 00:23:17.579 --> 00:23:18.240 Paul in 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:19.200 Romans 8 echoes 00:23:19.200 --> 00:23:20.000 David's sentiments 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:20.640 in light of the 00:23:20.640 --> 00:23:20.920 cross. 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:22.920 Neither 00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:23.720 death nor 00:23:23.720 --> 00:23:24.180 life nor 00:23:24.180 --> 00:23:24.759 angels nor 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.339 rulers nor 00:23:25.339 --> 00:23:26.000 things present 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:26.680 nor things to 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:27.039 come nor 00:23:27.039 --> 00:23:28.319 powers nor 00:23:28.319 --> 00:23:28.880 height nor 00:23:28.880 --> 00:23:29.420 depth nor 00:23:29.420 --> 00:23:29.819 any other 00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:30.420 created thing 00:23:30.420 --> 00:23:31.019 will be able to 00:23:31.019 --> 00:23:31.759 separate us 00:23:31.759 --> 00:23:32.599 from the love 00:23:32.599 --> 00:23:33.819 of God that 00:23:33.819 --> 00:23:34.579 is in Christ 00:23:34.579 --> 00:23:35.099 Jesus our 00:23:35.099 --> 00:23:35.339 Lord. 00:23:38.339 --> 00:23:39.160 This is our 00:23:39.160 --> 00:23:39.519 truth. 00:23:41.099 --> 00:23:41.860 That is why 00:23:41.860 --> 00:23:42.779 Psalm 23 is 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:43.460 such an enduring 00:23:43.460 --> 00:23:44.200 favourite amongst 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:44.660 the faithful. 00:23:45.740 --> 00:23:46.620 It's a poetic 00:23:46.620 --> 00:23:47.720 embodiment of the 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:48.240 history of the 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:50.120 world and what 00:23:50.120 --> 00:23:51.120 it means for how 00:23:51.119 --> 00:23:51.579 we should view 00:23:51.579 --> 00:23:52.859 ourselves in 00:23:52.859 --> 00:23:54.239 six short 00:23:54.239 --> 00:23:55.339 succinct verses. 00:23:56.839 --> 00:23:57.799 As his adopted 00:23:57.799 --> 00:23:58.439 children we are 00:23:58.439 --> 00:23:59.099 loved by our 00:23:59.099 --> 00:24:00.639 creator in our 00:24:00.639 --> 00:24:01.839 weakness and our 00:24:01.839 --> 00:24:02.399 brokenness. 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:04.639 He pursues us 00:24:04.639 --> 00:24:06.419 and lavishes love 00:24:06.419 --> 00:24:07.000 upon us. 00:24:10.099 --> 00:24:11.019 Augustine said 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:12.659 you move us to 00:24:12.659 --> 00:24:13.539 delight in praising 00:24:13.539 --> 00:24:13.819 you. 00:24:14.459 --> 00:24:15.119 You have made us 00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:16.039 for yourself and 00:24:16.039 --> 00:24:16.599 our hearts are 00:24:16.599 --> 00:24:18.379 restless until they 00:24:18.380 --> 00:24:19.400 rest in you. 00:24:21.700 --> 00:24:22.700 We are created 00:24:22.700 --> 00:24:23.300 for fellowship 00:24:23.300 --> 00:24:23.880 with God. 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:25.620 The whole point 00:24:25.620 --> 00:24:26.220 of our existence 00:24:26.220 --> 00:24:27.680 is indeed to 00:24:27.680 --> 00:24:28.320 dwell with him. 00:24:29.880 --> 00:24:30.860 So often we are 00:24:30.860 --> 00:24:31.400 praying to feel 00:24:31.400 --> 00:24:32.000 that we can't be 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:32.700 present with Jesus 00:24:32.700 --> 00:24:33.220 because of 00:24:33.220 --> 00:24:33.640 something we've 00:24:33.640 --> 00:24:34.560 done, something 00:24:34.560 --> 00:24:35.140 we've said or 00:24:35.140 --> 00:24:35.520 thought. 00:24:36.660 --> 00:24:37.520 So often we are 00:24:37.520 --> 00:24:38.040 skewed in our 00:24:38.040 --> 00:24:39.500 orientation and 00:24:39.500 --> 00:24:41.000 don't even ask or 00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:41.620 seek God to 00:24:41.620 --> 00:24:42.260 fulfil our need 00:24:42.260 --> 00:24:42.580 for him. 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:45.040 But we chase a 00:24:45.040 --> 00:24:45.600 myriad of other 00:24:45.600 --> 00:24:46.180 pleasures, of 00:24:46.180 --> 00:24:46.820 other interests 00:24:46.820 --> 00:24:48.460 that inevitably 00:24:48.460 --> 00:24:49.019 leave us 00:24:49.019 --> 00:24:49.480 disappointed. 00:24:52.400 --> 00:24:53.320 Psalm 23 is a 00:24:53.320 --> 00:24:54.080 song of praise 00:24:54.080 --> 00:24:54.759 and rejoicing. 00:24:55.840 --> 00:24:56.539 But we have a 00:24:56.539 --> 00:24:57.320 God who pursued 00:24:57.320 --> 00:24:59.120 us, lavished 00:24:59.120 --> 00:24:59.940 love upon us 00:24:59.940 --> 00:25:01.759 and will take 00:25:01.759 --> 00:25:02.240 us home. 00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:05.140 Psalm 23 is a 00:25:05.140 --> 00:25:05.740 song of comfort 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:06.279 and hope in 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:08.019 hard times because 00:25:08.019 --> 00:25:09.460 our God is 00:25:09.460 --> 00:25:09.920 faithful. 00:25:10.920 --> 00:25:11.660 He is with us 00:25:11.660 --> 00:25:12.200 through it all 00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:13.560 and will remain 00:25:13.560 --> 00:25:14.519 with us forever. 00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:17.180 a true answer 00:25:17.180 --> 00:25:17.940 to our innermost 00:25:17.940 --> 00:25:18.660 need and desire. 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:22.680 Remember this 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:23.440 profound truth 00:25:23.440 --> 00:25:25.480 that the Lord, 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:26.660 your shepherd, 00:25:27.259 --> 00:25:27.940 is with you. 00:25:29.339 --> 00:25:30.119 It order a shape 00:25:30.119 --> 00:25:30.639 how we view 00:25:30.639 --> 00:25:31.639 every aspect of 00:25:31.639 --> 00:25:31.980 life. 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:34.259 It reminds us of 00:25:34.259 --> 00:25:35.039 the truth of God's 00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:36.980 perspective against 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:37.779 the many lies of 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:38.220 this world. 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:40.619 It liberates us to 00:25:40.619 --> 00:25:41.259 live our lives on 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:41.819 the right path 00:25:41.819 --> 00:25:42.759 following his ways 00:25:42.759 --> 00:25:43.640 in confidence. 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:45.839 Not for ourselves 00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:47.779 but in our shepherd 00:25:47.779 --> 00:25:48.559 who provides all 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:49.839 we need and has 00:25:49.839 --> 00:25:51.980 secured us that we 00:25:51.980 --> 00:25:52.720 can be with him 00:25:52.720 --> 00:25:55.339 forever to the 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:56.160 glory of his 00:25:56.160 --> 00:25:57.099 great name. 00:25:57.099 --> 00:25:57.200 Amen. 00:25:57.200 --> 00:25:58.200 Amen.