WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 –> 00:00:06.680 You’re listening to a sermon from Pastor Colin Smith of Open the Bible 00:00:06.680 –> 00:00:12.080 to contact us call us at 1-877-Open365 00:00:12.080 –> 00:00:15.720 or visit our website openthebible.org 00:00:15.720 –> 00:00:19.920 Let’s get to the message. Here is Pastor Colin. 00:00:19.920 –> 00:00:23.799 I hope you will have your Bible open at Psalm 23. 00:00:23.799 –> 00:00:26.680 Now I expect that for all of us 00:00:26.680 –> 00:00:30.120 there are some gems of wisdom that we hear once 00:00:30.120 –> 00:00:34.560 and never forget. One of those in my life came from 00:00:34.560 –> 00:00:37.619 Warren Weirsbee, some of you may know that name. 00:00:37.619 –> 00:00:40.860 One time esteemed pastor of the Moody Church 00:00:40.860 –> 00:00:44.500 here in Chicago and then Bible teacher with the Back to the Bible 00:00:44.500 –> 00:00:47.959 radio programme. It was speaking and this is a good number 00:00:47.959 –> 00:00:51.240 of years ago in a conference in Britain 00:00:51.240 –> 00:00:55.040 and there was a question and answer session I was just a 00:00:55.160 –> 00:00:59.040 young pastor in London at the time and at this conference 00:00:59.040 –> 00:01:03.340 Warren Weirsbee who I admired so much was asked the question 00:01:03.340 –> 00:01:07.480 what would he do differently if he could have his years 00:01:07.480 –> 00:01:10.779 of ministry over again, 00:01:10.779 –> 00:01:14.419 and I remember leaning forward in my chair as a young pastor 00:01:14.419 –> 00:01:19.760 to hear what this man I respected so much would say. 00:01:19.760 –> 00:01:22.300 And he said in his senior years 00:01:22.300 –> 00:01:24.360 then, 00:01:24.419 –> 00:01:29.019 if I could have my time in ministry over again, 00:01:29.019 –> 00:01:34.040 I would encourage God’s people more. 00:01:34.680 –> 00:01:37.559 I’ve never forgotten that. 00:01:37.559 –> 00:01:40.160 It stayed with me I think partly because Warren Weirsbee 00:01:40.160 –> 00:01:42.839 is one of the most encouraging people I have ever met 00:01:42.839 –> 00:01:44.699 in my life. 00:01:44.699 –> 00:01:47.660 But as he in his senior years looked back on his time 00:01:47.660 –> 00:01:49.400 in ministry he said, 00:01:49.440 –> 00:01:53.900 I would encourage God’s people more. 00:01:55.040 –> 00:01:58.000 Now, I think that these are days where we could all use 00:01:58.000 –> 00:02:00.699 a little bit of encouragement. 00:02:00.699 –> 00:02:03.279 Perhaps like me you thought back in March 00:02:03.279 –> 00:02:06.239 that life would be back to normal by now. 00:02:06.239 –> 00:02:08.740 You rose to the challenge of the lockdown. 00:02:08.740 –> 00:02:12.240 You did what needed to be done with cheerful resilience. 00:02:12.240 –> 00:02:15.020 But as time goes by, there is a tiredness, 00:02:15.020 –> 00:02:18.380 a jadedness, a flatness that can creep in. 00:02:18.380 –> 00:02:21.360 The joy and energy that are usually yours 00:02:21.360 –> 00:02:23.600 may somehow be diminished. 00:02:23.600 –> 00:02:26.740 Here we are the weekend after Labor Day 00:02:26.740 –> 00:02:29.440 when we’re normally all refreshed, reinvigorated, 00:02:29.440 –> 00:02:30.919 fired up and ready to go 00:02:30.919 –> 00:02:33.440 and I think at least some of us experience 00:02:33.440 –> 00:02:35.759 something of being drained 00:02:35.759 –> 00:02:38.820 and that we could use some encouragement. 00:02:39.899 –> 00:02:42.960 Now, there is a reason why Psalm 23 00:02:42.960 –> 00:02:46.240 is the best loved and best known of all of the psalms 00:02:46.679 –> 00:02:48.160 and one of the best loved chapters 00:02:48.160 –> 00:02:49.800 in all of the Bible. 00:02:49.800 –> 00:02:52.839 And that reason is that God has used this psalm 00:02:52.839 –> 00:02:57.839 to encourage his people for more than 3000 years. 00:02:58.039 –> 00:03:01.460 And my first prayer for this series 00:03:01.460 –> 00:03:03.679 is that God will use these familiar words 00:03:03.679 –> 00:03:07.440 to bring fresh strength and hope and comfort 00:03:07.440 –> 00:03:12.399 and encouragement for each and every one of us. 00:03:12.419 –> 00:03:16.960 Psalm 23, of course, is about what God does for his people. 00:03:16.960 –> 00:03:18.960 And like all of the Bible, 00:03:18.960 –> 00:03:22.080 it points us to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:03:22.080 –> 00:03:27.080 David said, the Lord is my shepherd. 00:03:27.080 –> 00:03:29.440 And when Jesus Christ came into the world, 00:03:29.440 –> 00:03:33.679 he said, I am the good Shepherd. 00:03:33.679 –> 00:03:37.520 So this series, then, is going to remind us 00:03:37.520 –> 00:03:41.600 of all of that is ours in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:03:41.639 –> 00:03:46.559 When you belong to him, everything in this Psalm is yours. 00:03:46.559 –> 00:03:48.179 And throughout this series, 00:03:48.179 –> 00:03:52.039 we’re going to see that it is a marvelous thing 00:03:52.039 –> 00:03:55.880 to belong to the Son of God. 00:03:55.880 –> 00:03:59.059 Now, when you eat rich food, 00:03:59.059 –> 00:04:02.080 you go out for a sumptuous meal, 00:04:02.080 –> 00:04:07.080 you want to eat it slowly so that you can savor its taste. 00:04:08.000 –> 00:04:11.679 And this Psalm is super rich, 00:04:11.679 –> 00:04:16.220 and so we are going to savor its delight slowly. 00:04:16.220 –> 00:04:17.839 The plan is, if you notice, 00:04:17.839 –> 00:04:21.839 there are six verses in the 23rd Psalm 00:04:21.839 –> 00:04:26.059 and we have six weeks to savor this truth together. 00:04:26.059 –> 00:04:28.720 We begin, then, with verse one today, 00:04:28.720 –> 00:04:33.720 the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 00:04:34.299 –> 00:04:38.459 Now, let’s begin simply with that word shepherd. 00:04:38.459 –> 00:04:42.880 The Lord is my shepherd. 00:04:44.119 –> 00:04:48.299 Now, it is sometimes alleged, 00:04:48.299 –> 00:04:51.059 and I gotta admit, as I’ve read many things 00:04:51.059 –> 00:04:54.019 on the 23rd Psalm preparing for this series, 00:04:54.019 –> 00:04:57.100 I got really rather tired of it being alleged. 00:04:57.100 –> 00:04:59.859 But it is often alleged that because most of us 00:04:59.859 –> 00:05:02.559 live in cities or in suburbs, 00:05:02.559 –> 00:05:05.299 that somehow, we don’t know what a shepherd is 00:05:05.299 –> 00:05:09.359 and cannot grasp what a shepherd does. 00:05:09.359 –> 00:05:10.839 And I just wanna say to you, 00:05:10.839 –> 00:05:14.760 even if you should never have seen a flock of sheep 00:05:14.760 –> 00:05:17.239 in your entire life, 00:05:17.239 –> 00:05:20.880 reading this Psalm will tell you what a shepherd is 00:05:20.880 –> 00:05:23.339 and what a shepherd does. 00:05:23.339 –> 00:05:24.959 Notice, just going through the Psalm, 00:05:24.959 –> 00:05:26.519 and this is where we’re going, God willing, 00:05:26.519 –> 00:05:29.119 over these next six weeks. 00:05:29.220 –> 00:05:31.679 A shepherd owns the sheep. 00:05:31.679 –> 00:05:34.720 The Lord is my shepherd. 00:05:34.720 –> 00:05:36.059 I’m owned by him. 00:05:36.059 –> 00:05:37.579 I’m one of his sheep. 00:05:37.579 –> 00:05:40.579 Jesus says, my sheep never perish. 00:05:40.579 –> 00:05:43.279 That’s a statement of ownership. 00:05:43.279 –> 00:05:45.040 Because the shepherd owns the sheep, 00:05:45.040 –> 00:05:47.279 therefore, the shepherd leads the sheep. 00:05:47.279 –> 00:05:48.200 Next week, God willing, 00:05:48.200 –> 00:05:50.200 we’ll look at how He leads the sheep 00:05:50.200 –> 00:05:54.600 into rest and into righteousness. 00:05:54.600 –> 00:05:56.399 Then the shepherd restores the sheep 00:05:56.440 –> 00:05:59.320 because though they are his, we often go astray. 00:05:59.320 –> 00:06:01.940 Therefore he restores my soul. 00:06:01.940 –> 00:06:03.839 He retrieves me when I wander 00:06:03.839 –> 00:06:07.179 and he restores me when I am spent. 00:06:08.040 –> 00:06:11.779 The shepherd because he owns the sheep protects them. 00:06:11.779 –> 00:06:13.779 even though I walk through the valley 00:06:13.779 –> 00:06:16.220 of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil 00:06:16.220 –> 00:06:17.640 for you are with me. 00:06:17.640 –> 00:06:19.619 The good shepherd protects from evil 00:06:19.619 –> 00:06:22.820 and he protects from enemies. 00:06:22.820 –> 00:06:25.459 And the shepherd feeds the sheep. 00:06:25.459 –> 00:06:27.399 He spreads a table before me. 00:06:27.399 –> 00:06:31.000 He gives a cup that overflows. 00:06:31.000 –> 00:06:32.920 And the shepherd loves the sheep. 00:06:32.920 –> 00:06:35.279 Surely goodness and mercy will follow me 00:06:35.279 –> 00:06:37.380 all the days of my life. 00:06:37.380 –> 00:06:40.320 And after my life I will be welcomed 00:06:40.320 –> 00:06:43.559 into his home forever and forever.” 00:06:43.559 –> 00:06:46.279 Now that’s what a shepherd does, very simple. 00:06:46.279 –> 00:06:47.839 It’s all laid out in the Psalm. 00:06:47.839 –> 00:06:49.579 If you’ve never seen a flock of sheep. 00:06:49.579 –> 00:06:53.600 This is what a shepherd does. 00:06:53.600 –> 00:06:56.100 These are the things that the shepherd does for the sheep. 00:06:56.100 –> 00:06:59.540 And David says, these are the things God does for me. 00:06:59.540 –> 00:07:01.140 And when you were in Christ, 00:07:01.140 –> 00:07:03.380 you’ll be able to know with assurance 00:07:03.380 –> 00:07:07.100 that these are the things that he does for you. 00:07:08.859 –> 00:07:10.760 Now one more word by way of introduction 00:07:10.760 –> 00:07:13.579 and it is that some of you may perhaps 00:07:13.579 –> 00:07:15.420 just as an instinctive reaction 00:07:15.420 –> 00:07:18.019 think this all sounds a little bit sentimental. 00:07:19.440 –> 00:07:23.239 Fluffy sheep, shepherd which is crow. 00:07:23.239 –> 00:07:26.200 All a little quaint is it not. 00:07:26.200 –> 00:07:29.179 Maybe you were read as a young child 00:07:29.179 –> 00:07:31.040 a storybook with these pictures 00:07:31.040 –> 00:07:32.760 of fluffy sheep and a shepherd 00:07:32.760 –> 00:07:34.700 and it was based on Psalm 23 00:07:34.700 –> 00:07:37.019 and you have that as a kind of memory 00:07:37.019 –> 00:07:39.420 and you say, well, it’s a long way 00:07:39.420 –> 00:07:43.079 from the harsh realities of life today. 00:07:44.459 –> 00:07:48.700 Well, remember that David was a shepherd. 00:07:48.700 –> 00:07:52.820 He knew what it took to do this job. 00:07:54.179 –> 00:07:58.140 It was a dangerous job because wild animals 00:07:58.140 –> 00:08:01.299 would come and attack the sheep. 00:08:01.299 –> 00:08:03.220 You remember famously, of course, 00:08:03.220 –> 00:08:05.579 that David was such a good shot 00:08:05.579 –> 00:08:08.299 with a sling where he slew Goliath 00:08:08.299 –> 00:08:10.420 with a pebble that he shot with that sling. 00:08:10.420 –> 00:08:13.619 How did he become so good with a sling? 00:08:13.619 –> 00:08:15.859 Well the answer is he was a shepherd 00:08:15.859 –> 00:08:18.179 and he knew what it was for wild animals to come 00:08:18.179 –> 00:08:20.119 and that was the first line of protection 00:08:20.119 –> 00:08:21.679 again for the sheep. 00:08:23.420 –> 00:08:25.799 But sometimes it took more than a sling. 00:08:27.000 –> 00:08:29.899 David tells us in 1 Samuel, in chapter 17 00:08:29.899 –> 00:08:34.000 in verse 34, about how he fought 00:08:34.000 –> 00:08:37.320 on at least one occasion with a lion 00:08:37.320 –> 00:08:38.320 and with a bear. 00:08:39.500 –> 00:08:41.419 David said to Saul, I quote, 00:08:41.419 –> 00:08:43.659 your servant used to keep sheep 00:08:43.659 –> 00:08:47.299 for his father and when there came a lion 00:08:47.299 –> 00:08:50.280 and a bear and took a lamb from the flock 00:08:50.280 –> 00:08:52.280 I went after him 00:08:52.280 –> 00:08:55.520 and struck him and delivered him out of my mouth 00:08:55.520 –> 00:08:57.400 and if he arose against me 00:08:57.400 –> 00:09:00.119 I caught him by the beard 00:09:00.119 –> 00:09:02.059 and struck him and killed him 00:09:03.020 –> 00:09:06.119 So how’s that for risk in your job description? 00:09:06.119 –> 00:09:08.400 You may have to go face to face 00:09:08.400 –> 00:09:10.059 with a lion or with a bear 00:09:10.059 –> 00:09:12.119 grab it by the scruff of the neck 00:09:12.119 –> 00:09:14.840 grab it by the hair on its head 00:09:14.840 –> 00:09:16.820 because it’s got a lamb in its jaw 00:09:16.820 –> 00:09:19.179 and it’s your lamb and you’ve got to get that lamb back 00:09:19.179 –> 00:09:20.479 that’s, David says, 00:09:20.479 –> 00:09:22.260 that’s what it took for me to be a shepherd 00:09:22.260 –> 00:09:25.719 and that’s the kind of care that god gives to me 00:09:25.719 –> 00:09:29.119 the lord is my shepherd 00:09:29.119 –> 00:09:31.219 So I just want to say to you if you think 00:09:31.219 –> 00:09:32.919 you know, this all sounds rather quaint 00:09:32.919 –> 00:09:38.580 listen, this deals with the harsh realities of life 00:09:38.580 –> 00:09:44.260 David knew what it was to have enemies hunting him 00:09:44.260 –> 00:09:47.260 He had at one point in his life 00:09:47.260 –> 00:09:54.179 the pain of one of his own sons hating him 00:09:54.179 –> 00:09:58.140 he knew what it was to live with failure 00:09:58.140 –> 00:10:02.500 he knew what it was to live with fear 00:10:02.500 –> 00:10:04.520 he was given the task by God 00:10:04.520 –> 00:10:11.380 of seeking to lead a chronicly divided nation 00:10:11.380 –> 00:10:13.179 and he knew what it was to be discouraged 00:10:13.179 –> 00:10:15.780 and to be exhausted 00:10:15.780 –> 00:10:17.780 So I am wanting to say to you right at the beginning 00:10:17.780 –> 00:10:20.419 now if you know what it is to be exhausted 00:10:20.419 –> 00:10:21.419 to feel drained 00:10:21.419 –> 00:10:24.140 this psalm is for you 00:10:24.140 –> 00:10:25.140 if you know what it is 00:10:25.140 –> 00:10:26.140 to endure great pressure 00:10:26.140 –> 00:10:27.500 over a long period of time 00:10:27.500 –> 00:10:29.520 and sometimes to lose heart 00:10:29.520 –> 00:10:32.299 this psalm is for you 00:10:32.299 –> 00:10:34.179 if you face enemies 00:10:34.179 –> 00:10:36.039 and when you find yourself staring 00:10:36.039 –> 00:10:38.200 into the face of great evil 00:10:38.200 –> 00:10:41.559 this psalm is for you 00:10:41.559 –> 00:10:42.559 and since one day 00:10:42.559 –> 00:10:43.900 you will walk through the valley 00:10:43.900 –> 00:10:45.080 of the shadow of death 00:10:45.739 –> 00:10:48.739 this psalm is for you 00:10:48.739 –> 00:10:54.619 in Christ you have a shepherd 00:10:54.619 –> 00:10:57.599 and because he owns you 00:10:57.599 –> 00:10:58.599 he will lead you 00:10:58.599 –> 00:11:02.020 he will restore you 00:11:02.020 –> 00:11:04.020 he will protect you 00:11:04.020 –> 00:11:05.659 he will feed you 00:11:05.659 –> 00:11:06.919 and he will love you 00:11:06.919 –> 00:11:09.859 always 00:11:09.859 –> 00:11:10.859 that’s what it means 00:11:10.859 –> 00:11:12.900 to be shepherd 00:11:12.900 –> 00:11:16.640 now let’s focus in on the second thing 00:11:16.640 –> 00:11:18.500 who then is the Shepard? 00:11:18.500 –> 00:11:19.580 david says 00:11:19.580 –> 00:11:24.460 the Lord is my shepherd 00:11:24.460 –> 00:11:25.460 very simply here 00:11:25.460 –> 00:11:26.880 i want to make the observation 00:11:26.880 –> 00:11:29.320 that the quality of life 00:11:29.320 –> 00:11:30.739 enjoyed by any flock of sheep 00:11:30.739 –> 00:11:34.500 depends entirely on their Shepard 00:11:34.500 –> 00:11:35.500 the quality of life 00:11:35.500 –> 00:11:37.700 enjoyed by any flock of sheep 00:11:37.700 –> 00:11:41.700 depends entirely on their Shepherd 00:11:41.719 –> 00:11:43.219 in the Old Testament 00:11:43.219 –> 00:11:44.460 God appointed prophets 00:11:44.460 –> 00:11:45.780 priests and kings 00:11:45.780 –> 00:11:47.460 to Shepherd His flock 00:11:47.460 –> 00:11:49.020 they were to feed the sheep 00:11:49.020 –> 00:11:50.020 seek the sheep 00:11:50.020 –> 00:11:51.020 guide the sheep 00:11:51.020 –> 00:11:54.320 and they did not do a good job 00:11:54.320 –> 00:11:55.320 most professions 00:11:55.320 –> 00:11:57.979 have a system of an annual review 00:11:57.979 –> 00:12:03.299 and in Ezekiel and chapter 34 00:12:03.299 –> 00:12:04.380 God gives as it were 00:12:04.380 –> 00:12:06.179 a review of those 00:12:06.179 –> 00:12:07.299 who have been appointed 00:12:07.299 –> 00:12:08.919 as Shepherds of His flock 00:12:08.919 –> 00:12:11.400 and it is not a good review 00:12:11.419 –> 00:12:12.859 to Ezekiel, God says 00:12:12.859 –> 00:12:14.000 son of man prophesy 00:12:14.000 –> 00:12:16.659 against the shepherds of Israel 00:12:16.659 –> 00:12:17.500 why? 00:12:17.500 –> 00:12:19.640 because God says 00:12:19.640 –> 00:12:22.260 the weak you have not strengthened 00:12:22.260 –> 00:12:24.219 the sick you have not healed 00:12:24.219 –> 00:12:26.280 the injured you have not bound up 00:12:26.280 –> 00:12:28.000 the strayed you have not brought back 00:12:28.000 –> 00:12:29.700 the lost you have not sought 00:12:29.700 –> 00:12:31.479 and with force and harshness 00:12:31.479 –> 00:12:32.780 you have ruled them 00:12:32.780 –> 00:12:33.780 so the flock of God 00:12:33.780 –> 00:12:34.880 had a really bad time 00:12:34.880 –> 00:12:35.900 because the shepherds 00:12:35.900 –> 00:12:38.020 were not caring for them 00:12:38.020 –> 00:12:39.119 the quality of life 00:12:39.119 –> 00:12:40.159 of any flock of sheep 00:12:40.159 –> 00:12:41.200 depends entirely 00:12:41.320 –> 00:12:42.679 on who their shepherd is 00:12:43.679 –> 00:12:45.400 and in Ezekiel’s day 00:12:45.400 –> 00:12:46.440 the appointed shepherds 00:12:46.440 –> 00:12:48.239 had failed in their task 00:12:48.239 –> 00:12:49.739 no one was looking for the lost 00:12:49.739 –> 00:12:51.000 no one was helping 00:12:51.000 –> 00:12:52.219 or strengthening the sick 00:12:52.219 –> 00:12:53.239 or the injured 00:12:53.239 –> 00:12:55.080 no one came to the help 00:12:55.080 –> 00:12:55.640 of the weak 00:12:55.640 –> 00:12:58.119 so what happens? 00:12:58.119 –> 00:12:59.599 well God said this 00:12:59.599 –> 00:13:01.320 my sheep were scattered 00:13:01.320 –> 00:13:02.599 over the face of the earth 00:13:02.599 –> 00:13:04.760 with none to seek 00:13:04.760 –> 00:13:07.059 or search for them 00:13:07.799 –> 00:13:08.919 and so God looked upon 00:13:08.919 –> 00:13:10.419 his own sheep with compassion 00:13:11.599 –> 00:13:12.900 and God said 00:13:13.739 –> 00:13:16.080 I myself will become their shepherd 00:13:16.979 –> 00:13:19.380 I myself will search for my sheep 00:13:19.380 –> 00:13:20.599 and seek them out 00:13:20.599 –> 00:13:22.679 I will seek the lost 00:13:23.440 –> 00:13:25.039 I will bring back the straight 00:13:25.039 –> 00:13:27.679 I will bind up the injured 00:13:27.679 –> 00:13:29.880 and I will strengthen the weak 00:13:31.119 –> 00:13:32.359 and you see when Jesus Christ 00:13:32.359 –> 00:13:34.080 then came into the world 00:13:34.719 –> 00:13:36.239 he said in effect that’s me 00:13:36.640 –> 00:13:38.479 I’m the one that’s come to do this 00:13:38.559 –> 00:13:42.000 I am the Good Shepherd 00:13:42.799 –> 00:13:44.159 and here’s what it means 00:13:44.159 –> 00:13:48.320 I’m going to lay down my life for my sheep 00:13:49.280 –> 00:13:52.799 and my sheep will never perish 00:13:54.400 –> 00:13:56.960 Now, do you see that all the way through 00:13:56.960 –> 00:13:59.039 this Psalm is about the Lord 00:13:59.919 –> 00:14:02.799 The great assurance here is 00:14:02.799 –> 00:14:05.520 that it’s the Lord himself 00:14:06.000 –> 00:14:07.520 who is your shepherd 00:14:08.239 –> 00:14:09.679 What this means is 00:14:09.679 –> 00:14:11.359 by taking ownership of you 00:14:12.159 –> 00:14:16.000 the Lord takes direct responsibility for you 00:14:16.719 –> 00:14:18.400 in every area of your life 00:14:19.919 –> 00:14:21.760 Let me just read it with that emphasis 00:14:21.760 –> 00:14:23.679 so that it settles in your mind 00:14:23.679 –> 00:14:25.599 The Lord is my shepherd 00:14:26.559 –> 00:14:29.359 He makes me lie down in green pastures 00:14:29.359 –> 00:14:32.080 He leads me beside still waters 00:14:32.080 –> 00:14:34.400 He’s the one who restores my soul 00:14:35.359 –> 00:14:37.599 He leads me in paths of righteousness 00:14:37.599 –> 00:14:38.640 for His namesake 00:14:38.640 –> 00:14:39.520 and even though I walk 00:14:39.520 –> 00:14:41.280 through the valley of the shadow of death 00:14:41.280 –> 00:14:43.039 even there I will fear no evil 00:14:43.039 –> 00:14:44.479 for You are with me 00:14:45.039 –> 00:14:45.760 Your rod 00:14:45.760 –> 00:14:46.479 Your staff 00:14:46.479 –> 00:14:47.200 comfort me 00:14:47.200 –> 00:14:48.880 You prepare a table for me 00:14:48.880 –> 00:14:50.799 in the presence of my enemies 00:14:50.799 –> 00:14:52.400 You anoint my head with oil 00:14:52.400 –> 00:14:54.799 and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever 00:14:55.760 –> 00:14:57.840 The entire experience of life 00:14:57.840 –> 00:14:59.840 depends on who the shepherd is 00:14:59.840 –> 00:15:00.640 and David says 00:15:00.640 –> 00:15:01.760 here’s the good news 00:15:01.760 –> 00:15:03.200 here is where I find comfort 00:15:03.200 –> 00:15:03.760 and strength 00:15:03.919 –> 00:15:04.799 and encouragement 00:15:04.799 –> 00:15:08.080 that it’s the Lord who is my shepherd 00:15:08.080 –> 00:15:09.200 He owns me 00:15:09.760 –> 00:15:11.039 and because He owns me 00:15:11.039 –> 00:15:12.799 He will always lead me 00:15:12.799 –> 00:15:14.080 and He will restore me 00:15:14.080 –> 00:15:15.039 and He will protect me 00:15:15.039 –> 00:15:16.080 and He will feed me 00:15:16.080 –> 00:15:17.599 I will not go hungry 00:15:17.599 –> 00:15:19.679 and He will love me forever 00:15:19.679 –> 00:15:21.760 The greatest joy in life 00:15:23.039 –> 00:15:25.679 is to be wholly owned 00:15:25.679 –> 00:15:28.080 by the Son of God 00:15:28.640 –> 00:15:29.679 Now we looked at what it means 00:15:29.679 –> 00:15:30.640 to be a shepherd 00:15:31.599 –> 00:15:33.039 Psalm 23 tells us 00:15:34.080 –> 00:15:35.679 We’ve looked at who the shepherd is 00:15:35.679 –> 00:15:36.640 It’s the Lord 00:15:36.640 –> 00:15:38.080 The Psalm is all about Him 00:15:39.840 –> 00:15:41.599 and then I want us to look at this word 00:15:41.599 –> 00:15:43.039 of personal relationship 00:15:43.039 –> 00:15:44.000 that’s so wonderful 00:15:44.000 –> 00:15:45.359 the little word my 00:15:46.479 –> 00:15:49.760 The Lord is my shepherd 00:15:50.719 –> 00:15:51.840 Now here’s the question 00:15:52.640 –> 00:15:55.280 How do you become one of the Lord’s sheep? 00:15:57.039 –> 00:15:59.359 Well sheep are added to a flock 00:16:00.960 –> 00:16:02.400 by being bought 00:16:03.760 –> 00:16:05.599 or by being born 00:16:07.200 –> 00:16:09.119 A shepherd can breed sheep 00:16:10.159 –> 00:16:12.080 or a shepherd can buy sheep 00:16:13.119 –> 00:16:14.799 and of course in farming 00:16:14.799 –> 00:16:18.320 shepherd has a flock of 200, 500 sheep 00:16:18.320 –> 00:16:19.599 or whatever it is 00:16:19.599 –> 00:16:21.599 one or other of these things will be true 00:16:21.599 –> 00:16:22.799 of each and every one of them 00:16:22.799 –> 00:16:25.200 A lamb is added to the flock 00:16:25.200 –> 00:16:26.799 either because it is bought 00:16:27.679 –> 00:16:30.719 or because it is born 00:16:31.359 –> 00:16:33.679 now of course in God’s flock 00:16:33.919 –> 00:16:36.479 both things are true of you 00:16:37.039 –> 00:16:39.280 every Christian has been bought 00:16:39.280 –> 00:16:40.559 into the flock of God 00:16:41.599 –> 00:16:44.080 and every christian has been born 00:16:44.080 –> 00:16:46.559 into the flock of God 00:16:47.440 –> 00:16:49.520 and the New Testament makes this very clear 00:16:49.520 –> 00:16:51.179 Paul says 1 Corinthians 6 00:16:51.179 –> 00:16:52.640 in verse 20 00:16:52.640 –> 00:16:54.320 you are not your own 00:16:54.320 –> 00:16:57.119 for you were bought with a price 00:16:58.320 –> 00:16:59.679 and Peter says it this way 00:16:59.679 –> 00:17:01.119 you were ransomed 00:17:01.919 –> 00:17:02.799 you were ransomed 00:17:02.799 –> 00:17:03.280 in other words 00:17:03.280 –> 00:17:05.199 there was a price paid to buy you 00:17:06.160 –> 00:17:07.920 out of the futile way of life 00:17:07.920 –> 00:17:09.199 that you had known before 00:17:10.239 –> 00:17:11.599 and the price that was paid 00:17:11.599 –> 00:17:13.119 was not silver and gold 00:17:13.119 –> 00:17:15.599 it was the precious blood of Christ 00:17:15.599 –> 00:17:17.920 that of a lamb without plemish 00:17:17.920 –> 00:17:19.280 or without spot 00:17:20.560 –> 00:17:22.959 do you see what Christ has done for you? 00:17:22.959 –> 00:17:24.479 He bought you 00:17:26.319 –> 00:17:28.319 and the price that he paid 00:17:28.319 –> 00:17:29.599 to buy you 00:17:29.599 –> 00:17:30.719 to purchase you 00:17:30.719 –> 00:17:32.319 to make you his own 00:17:33.760 –> 00:17:36.560 is that he shed his own precious blood 00:17:39.760 –> 00:17:41.839 Carin and I have been watching 00:17:42.560 –> 00:17:44.560 a series on television 00:17:44.560 –> 00:17:47.280 called This Farming Life 00:17:49.040 –> 00:17:51.119 I think we’ve actually got rather hooked on it 00:17:51.680 –> 00:17:56.880 and the scenes of various parts of Scotland 00:17:56.880 –> 00:18:00.319 and the life of smallholding farmers 00:18:00.319 –> 00:18:02.640 in that part of the world 00:18:03.199 –> 00:18:08.079 And one of the features of life in the farming year 00:18:09.119 –> 00:18:13.040 is the sheep auctions that regularly take place 00:18:13.040 –> 00:18:16.479 Farmers will show up at these large sheep auctions 00:18:17.119 –> 00:18:20.640 and they will buy rams or tups 00:18:20.640 –> 00:18:22.079 as they’re sometimes referred to 00:18:22.959 –> 00:18:26.160 for breeding the next generation of sheep 00:18:26.160 –> 00:18:27.839 or they will buy ewes 00:18:27.839 –> 00:18:31.599 in order simply to add to, and grow their flock 00:18:32.400 –> 00:18:34.239 And it’s quite fascinating, you know, 00:18:34.239 –> 00:18:36.880 seeing these large markets 00:18:37.760 –> 00:18:40.640 and these multiple pens 00:18:40.640 –> 00:18:42.000 with all of these sheep 00:18:43.199 –> 00:18:47.359 and the potential buyers will walk around 00:18:47.359 –> 00:18:48.479 before the auction 00:18:48.479 –> 00:18:50.079 and have a look at the sheep 00:18:50.079 –> 00:18:53.199 and decide which ones they’re going to bid for 00:18:53.199 –> 00:18:56.000 and how much they are going to bid 00:18:58.160 –> 00:18:59.199 Now think about this 00:19:00.000 –> 00:19:05.680 the Lord Jesus Christ himself has purchased you 00:19:08.479 –> 00:19:11.280 and the price he paid for the purchase 00:19:12.719 –> 00:19:16.319 is his own precious blood 00:19:18.239 –> 00:19:19.199 You are not your own 00:19:20.319 –> 00:19:22.160 you are bought with a price 00:19:23.280 –> 00:19:25.439 and because you are bought with a price 00:19:25.439 –> 00:19:28.319 the Lord is your shepherd 00:19:28.719 –> 00:19:30.959 and that is why you will not want 00:19:33.280 –> 00:19:35.280 What you need will be given to you 00:19:35.280 –> 00:19:37.199 because the shepherd laid down his own life 00:19:37.199 –> 00:19:38.640 in order to make you his own 00:19:40.239 –> 00:19:43.760 and having given his very self to purchase you 00:19:43.760 –> 00:19:46.160 you can be sure that he will give you 00:19:46.160 –> 00:19:47.760 all that he, all that you need 00:19:48.479 –> 00:19:52.160 isn’t that the logic of Romans in chapter 8 in verse 32? 00:19:52.160 –> 00:19:54.479 that he who did not spare his own son 00:19:54.479 –> 00:19:56.160 but freely gave him up for us all 00:19:56.160 –> 00:19:57.859 how will he not also along with him 00:19:57.859 –> 00:19:59.520 graciously give us all things? 00:20:01.439 –> 00:20:04.959 you have been bought into the flock of God 00:20:04.959 –> 00:20:06.959 by the precious blood of Christ 00:20:06.959 –> 00:20:12.160 and you have been born into the flock of God 00:20:12.160 –> 00:20:13.920 it’s fascinating to me that Peter 00:20:13.920 –> 00:20:16.959 immediately after stating so wonderfully 00:20:16.959 –> 00:20:18.560 that we have been ransomed 00:20:18.560 –> 00:20:19.760 we have been purchased 00:20:19.760 –> 00:20:21.839 he then goes on to say that we’ve been born 00:20:21.839 –> 00:20:23.359 you have been born again 00:20:24.239 –> 00:20:25.599 not of perishable seed 00:20:25.599 –> 00:20:27.520 but of imperishable through the living 00:20:27.520 –> 00:20:29.439 and enduring word of God 00:20:29.439 –> 00:20:30.560 here’s what happened 00:20:30.560 –> 00:20:32.880 not only is it true that the lord Jesus Christ 00:20:32.880 –> 00:20:35.839 shed his blood for you two thousand years ago 00:20:37.199 –> 00:20:38.719 but at some point in your life 00:20:38.719 –> 00:20:40.000 you may not be able to discern 00:20:40.000 –> 00:20:41.119 especially what it was 00:20:41.119 –> 00:20:42.319 but here’s what has happened 00:20:42.319 –> 00:20:43.920 in your life and experience 00:20:45.040 –> 00:20:49.520 the holy spirit brooded over your dead soul 00:20:49.520 –> 00:20:51.920 like he brooded over the dark waters 00:20:51.920 –> 00:20:52.800 in the creation 00:20:53.359 –> 00:20:55.439 and he brought you to new life 00:20:56.800 –> 00:20:59.040 he opened your eyes to the glory 00:20:59.040 –> 00:21:00.319 of the lord Jesus Christ 00:21:00.319 –> 00:21:02.719 awakened you to your need of a savior 00:21:02.719 –> 00:21:03.839 he brought you to faith 00:21:05.199 –> 00:21:07.119 he changed you from the inside out 00:21:07.119 –> 00:21:08.719 giving you a new desire 00:21:08.719 –> 00:21:10.880 to leave behind the life of sin 00:21:10.880 –> 00:21:13.760 and follow hard after the lord Jesus Christ 00:21:13.760 –> 00:21:15.280 and not only has he brought you 00:21:15.280 –> 00:21:16.079 to this new life 00:21:16.079 –> 00:21:18.319 he sustains this new life in you 00:21:18.319 –> 00:21:20.880 you’ve had so many doubts and fears 00:21:21.760 –> 00:21:25.040 you still have so many unanswered questions 00:21:25.040 –> 00:21:26.319 you have so many sins 00:21:26.319 –> 00:21:27.680 and so many failings 00:21:27.680 –> 00:21:29.599 and yet still you love Christ 00:21:29.599 –> 00:21:32.400 and still the lord is your shepherd 00:21:33.920 –> 00:21:36.479 having bought you 00:21:37.160 –> 00:21:38.640 and then having birthed you 00:21:39.439 –> 00:21:41.119 the shepherd is utterly 00:21:41.119 –> 00:21:42.880 and entirely committed to you 00:21:42.880 –> 00:21:43.839 lives with you 00:21:45.119 –> 00:21:47.040 and you are the constant focus 00:21:47.040 –> 00:21:48.719 of his care and attention 00:21:48.880 –> 00:21:50.400 so do you see that 00:21:50.400 –> 00:21:52.400 this Psalm is very wonderfully 00:21:52.400 –> 00:21:54.160 not only about the Lord 00:21:55.599 –> 00:21:56.880 but it’s also about 00:21:57.359 –> 00:21:58.640 the relationship that 00:21:58.640 –> 00:22:00.160 you have with the Lord 00:22:01.199 –> 00:22:04.239 as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ 00:22:04.239 –> 00:22:05.520 you can say with David 00:22:06.479 –> 00:22:08.239 the Lord is my shepherd 00:22:09.199 –> 00:22:10.560 he makes me lie down 00:22:10.560 –> 00:22:11.680 in green pastures 00:22:12.640 –> 00:22:13.439 he leads me 00:22:13.439 –> 00:22:14.640 besides still waters 00:22:14.640 –> 00:22:16.239 he restores my soul 00:22:16.239 –> 00:22:17.040 thank God for that 00:22:17.599 –> 00:22:22.319 he leads me in paths of righteousness 00:22:22.319 –> 00:22:23.599 and even though I walk 00:22:23.599 –> 00:22:25.520 through the valley of the shadows of death 00:22:25.520 –> 00:22:27.119 I am going to fear no evil 00:22:27.119 –> 00:22:28.000 because you are with me 00:22:29.040 –> 00:22:30.479 and your rod and your staff 00:22:30.479 –> 00:22:31.280 they comfort me 00:22:32.079 –> 00:22:33.839 you prepare a table before me 00:22:33.839 –> 00:22:35.599 in the presence of my enemies 00:22:35.599 –> 00:22:37.599 you anoint my head with oil 00:22:38.400 –> 00:22:40.319 my cup overflows 00:22:40.319 –> 00:22:41.439 surely Goodness and Mercy 00:22:41.439 –> 00:22:42.479 is going to follow me 00:22:42.479 –> 00:22:43.680 all the days of my life 00:22:43.680 –> 00:22:44.640 and I am going to dwell 00:22:44.640 –> 00:22:47.119 in the house of the Lord forever 00:22:48.239 –> 00:22:50.400 now do you see that this Psalm then 00:22:50.400 –> 00:22:53.280 is especially a Psalm for believers 00:22:54.160 –> 00:22:56.640 it’s all about how rich we are 00:22:56.640 –> 00:22:58.880 when we are in this relationship 00:22:58.880 –> 00:23:00.079 with Jesus Christ 00:23:00.079 –> 00:23:01.839 in which He wholly owns us 00:23:01.839 –> 00:23:04.239 because He bought us and birthed us 00:23:04.239 –> 00:23:06.239 and He then is our shepherd 00:23:06.239 –> 00:23:08.160 This is a Psalm for believers 00:23:08.959 –> 00:23:10.560 The Lord is my Shepherd 00:23:10.560 –> 00:23:17.359 Now I have an old book 00:23:18.479 –> 00:23:20.319 Nearly a hundred years old now 00:23:21.199 –> 00:23:22.479 by a Scottish pastor 00:23:22.479 –> 00:23:24.160 by the name of John McNeill 00:23:25.680 –> 00:23:27.520 and John McNeill preached 00:23:27.520 –> 00:23:30.479 on Psalm 23 all over the world 00:23:32.400 –> 00:23:34.079 and what was very striking 00:23:34.079 –> 00:23:34.959 to him was this 00:23:36.000 –> 00:23:37.359 that as he traveled the world 00:23:37.359 –> 00:23:39.359 and preached in different countries 00:23:40.160 –> 00:23:42.079 he found that many people 00:23:42.079 –> 00:23:44.880 came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ 00:23:44.880 –> 00:23:47.199 through his preaching of Psalm 23 00:23:48.640 –> 00:23:50.640 and this struck him as being rather odd 00:23:51.839 –> 00:23:53.920 because Psalm 23 clearly 00:23:53.920 –> 00:23:55.760 is all about the relationship 00:23:55.760 –> 00:23:57.920 that a believer has with the Lord 00:23:57.920 –> 00:23:59.760 and yet when he preached Psalm 23 00:24:00.880 –> 00:24:01.920 people were converted 00:24:02.719 –> 00:24:04.800 unbelieving people came to believe 00:24:06.079 –> 00:24:07.760 now this is what he wrote about that 00:24:07.760 –> 00:24:09.280 and I think is very significant 00:24:09.359 –> 00:24:14.560 He says, I have often been surprised 00:24:14.560 –> 00:24:17.280 to find the converting power 00:24:17.280 –> 00:24:20.640 under God of a portion of Scripture 00:24:20.640 –> 00:24:23.520 so evidently belonging to believers 00:24:25.599 –> 00:24:26.640 he then says 00:24:26.640 –> 00:24:30.239 the sinner’s mouth begins to water 00:24:30.959 –> 00:24:33.439 when you dwell on the blessedness 00:24:33.439 –> 00:24:35.839 of those who are in the fold 00:24:37.520 –> 00:24:38.640 in his reaction 00:24:38.640 –> 00:24:42.000 to that he begins to evangelise himself 00:24:42.880 –> 00:24:44.640 and gets to the shepherd 00:24:45.680 –> 00:24:46.400 without you 00:24:47.359 –> 00:24:48.319 do you see what he’s saying? 00:24:49.839 –> 00:24:51.199 when you describe 00:24:52.719 –> 00:24:54.800 the richness of what belongs 00:24:54.800 –> 00:24:56.400 to those who are in Christ 00:24:58.560 –> 00:25:00.479 the Holy Spirit can use that 00:25:01.280 –> 00:25:03.040 to make the mouth of an unbeliever 00:25:03.040 –> 00:25:04.160 begin to water 00:25:04.160 –> 00:25:05.680 and say, I wish that was mine 00:25:07.199 –> 00:25:08.479 and then he or she 00:25:08.479 –> 00:25:10.640 finds their way to faith 00:25:10.640 –> 00:25:12.160 in the Lord Jesus Christ 00:25:13.839 –> 00:25:16.400 so I have two aims 00:25:16.400 –> 00:25:17.280 for this series 00:25:17.280 –> 00:25:18.160 I already told you 00:25:18.160 –> 00:25:19.680 the first one is to encourage 00:25:20.400 –> 00:25:21.599 to encourage all who 00:25:21.599 –> 00:25:22.719 belong to Christ 00:25:22.719 –> 00:25:23.839 to be able to say 00:25:23.839 –> 00:25:25.280 you know I really am blessed 00:25:25.280 –> 00:25:27.280 because the Lord is my shepherd 00:25:27.280 –> 00:25:28.959 and everything that was true of David 00:25:28.959 –> 00:25:30.079 is also true of me 00:25:31.520 –> 00:25:33.280 but I want not only to encourage 00:25:33.280 –> 00:25:34.560 I want to entice 00:25:36.319 –> 00:25:37.280 because some of you 00:25:37.280 –> 00:25:39.920 are not yet owned by the Lord Jesus Christ 00:25:39.920 –> 00:25:41.199 you’ve never given yourself 00:25:41.199 –> 00:25:42.800 over into his hands 00:25:43.839 –> 00:25:44.959 you’re still trying to run 00:25:44.959 –> 00:25:45.680 your own life 00:25:46.400 –> 00:25:47.760 and you actually think 00:25:47.760 –> 00:25:49.280 that you can do it better 00:25:50.160 –> 00:25:52.319 than if you were wholly owned by him 00:25:54.079 –> 00:25:54.800 and actually 00:25:54.800 –> 00:25:56.479 a lot of threatenings from the pulpit 00:25:56.479 –> 00:25:58.079 don’t make a lot of difference to you 00:25:58.079 –> 00:25:59.680 so I want to do something different 00:25:59.680 –> 00:26:01.040 I want to entice you 00:26:02.800 –> 00:26:03.760 I want to show you 00:26:03.760 –> 00:26:05.119 from Psalm 23 00:26:05.119 –> 00:26:06.479 what could be yours 00:26:06.479 –> 00:26:08.160 if you were Christ’s 00:26:09.040 –> 00:26:10.880 I want your mouth to begin to water 00:26:11.680 –> 00:26:12.160 and say 00:26:12.959 –> 00:26:14.400 I wish that was true of me 00:26:16.880 –> 00:26:18.640 and as you begin to say 00:26:18.640 –> 00:26:20.160 I wish that was true of me 00:26:21.839 –> 00:26:23.280 I want to say to you from the Bible 00:26:23.280 –> 00:26:24.479 it can be true of you 00:26:25.439 –> 00:26:27.040 but in order for these things 00:26:27.040 –> 00:26:28.239 to become true of you 00:26:29.119 –> 00:26:31.920 you must take the Lord as your shepherd 00:26:33.439 –> 00:26:35.040 these things will be yours 00:26:35.040 –> 00:26:37.119 as you become His 00:26:39.439 –> 00:26:41.359 the first thing about the relationship 00:26:41.359 –> 00:26:42.880 between the shepherd and the sheep 00:26:42.880 –> 00:26:44.319 is ownership 00:26:45.040 –> 00:26:47.040 the shepherd owns the flock 00:26:47.040 –> 00:26:48.160 that’s why he does all these 00:26:48.160 –> 00:26:49.119 other things for the flock 00:26:49.119 –> 00:26:50.160 because he owns them 00:26:50.160 –> 00:26:50.800 they’re his 00:26:52.239 –> 00:26:53.920 and if you become his 00:26:53.920 –> 00:26:55.599 these things will become yours 00:26:55.599 –> 00:26:56.640 that’s how it works 00:26:58.000 –> 00:27:00.560 now you see this priority of ownership 00:27:00.560 –> 00:27:02.079 in the words of the Lord Jesus 00:27:02.079 –> 00:27:03.520 in John, chapter 10 00:27:03.520 –> 00:27:04.160 where he says 00:27:04.160 –> 00:27:06.000 the good shepherd lays down his life 00:27:06.000 –> 00:27:06.560 for the sheep 00:27:07.439 –> 00:27:09.359 he who is a hired hand 00:27:09.359 –> 00:27:10.719 and not a shepherd 00:27:10.719 –> 00:27:13.119 who does not own the sheep 00:27:13.119 –> 00:27:14.400 notice that word 00:27:14.400 –> 00:27:15.439 sees the wolf coming 00:27:15.439 –> 00:27:17.760 and then leaves the sheep and flees 00:27:17.760 –> 00:27:19.040 you see what Jesus is saying 00:27:19.040 –> 00:27:20.000 a hired hand 00:27:20.719 –> 00:27:22.560 if the job gets too costly 00:27:22.560 –> 00:27:23.839 for the pay that he’s given 00:27:23.839 –> 00:27:24.719 he’s just off 00:27:24.719 –> 00:27:26.160 if he’s just a hired hand 00:27:26.160 –> 00:27:27.439 but if he’s a real shepherd 00:27:27.439 –> 00:27:28.640 he has ownership 00:27:29.280 –> 00:27:30.560 this is the distinctive thing 00:27:30.560 –> 00:27:31.199 about the shepherd 00:27:31.199 –> 00:27:32.959 he owns the sheep 00:27:33.599 –> 00:27:34.640 that’s the first thing 00:27:35.520 –> 00:27:38.160 so if you are to be led and restored 00:27:38.160 –> 00:27:41.280 if you’re to be protected and fed and loved 00:27:41.280 –> 00:27:43.119 you must first be owned 00:27:44.239 –> 00:27:46.319 by the good shepherd 00:27:46.319 –> 00:27:47.760 and that raises this question 00:27:49.439 –> 00:27:53.119 so do I want to be wholly owned? 00:27:55.119 –> 00:27:56.319 and for some 00:27:56.319 –> 00:27:57.280 even here this morning 00:27:57.280 –> 00:27:59.280 that may be where you’ve hit difficulty 00:28:00.640 –> 00:28:02.079 because something rises up 00:28:02.079 –> 00:28:02.880 from your own heart 00:28:02.880 –> 00:28:05.439 and said I’m not sure I want to be wholly owned by anybody 00:28:07.680 –> 00:28:09.599 I want to be my own master 00:28:11.199 –> 00:28:12.560 I’ll be my own shepherd 00:28:14.239 –> 00:28:15.359 you might not put it this way 00:28:15.359 –> 00:28:16.479 but what you’re really saying 00:28:16.479 –> 00:28:18.319 is I want to be my own God 00:28:21.760 –> 00:28:22.479 you know one of the 00:28:23.280 –> 00:28:26.719 most bare faced expressions of this 00:28:26.719 –> 00:28:28.239 that I think i’ve ever read 00:28:30.079 –> 00:28:32.319 came from the actress Shirley MacLaine 00:28:33.760 –> 00:28:35.199 She said this and I quote 00:28:37.040 –> 00:28:38.959 I know that I exist 00:28:40.479 –> 00:28:42.880 therefore I am 00:28:43.439 –> 00:28:46.319 I know that the God source exists 00:28:46.319 –> 00:28:47.839 therefore it is 00:28:49.599 –> 00:28:52.319 and since I am part of that force 00:28:52.319 –> 00:28:56.880 then I am that I am 00:28:56.880 –> 00:28:58.880 am 00:29:00.800 –> 00:29:03.599 now when I read these words 00:29:06.000 –> 00:29:08.959 I feel heart sorry for Shirley 00:29:11.199 –> 00:29:13.359 if you are your own god 00:29:13.359 –> 00:29:16.959 you are completely and utterly alone 00:29:17.839 –> 00:29:19.280 you have no one to look to 00:29:20.079 –> 00:29:21.199 except yourself 00:29:23.040 –> 00:29:24.079 and nothing in all the world 00:29:24.079 –> 00:29:25.760 could be more tragic than 00:29:25.760 –> 00:29:28.239 sheep without a shepherd 00:29:29.520 –> 00:29:31.839 other animals seem to be able to do fine on their own 00:29:31.839 –> 00:29:34.239 you don’t need a shepherd for rabbits or for deer 00:29:37.119 –> 00:29:38.640 other animals can hunt 00:29:40.479 –> 00:29:42.239 but sheep need to be fed 00:29:43.760 –> 00:29:44.880 and left to themselves 00:29:44.880 –> 00:29:46.239 they will soon grow hungry 00:29:46.239 –> 00:29:47.680 when Jesus saw the crowd 00:29:48.319 –> 00:29:50.400 he had compassion on them 00:29:50.400 –> 00:29:51.040 the bible says 00:29:51.040 –> 00:29:52.880 because he saw that they were like 00:29:52.880 –> 00:29:54.319 sheep without a shepherd 00:29:54.319 –> 00:29:55.680 and sheep without a shepherd 00:29:55.680 –> 00:29:57.680 will soon be in a desperate state 00:29:58.719 –> 00:29:59.680 they’ll wander off 00:29:59.680 –> 00:30:00.640 they’ll become lost 00:30:00.640 –> 00:30:01.920 their hoofs will rot 00:30:02.959 –> 00:30:04.959 their wool will grow so long 00:30:04.959 –> 00:30:06.560 that it will exhaust them 00:30:06.560 –> 00:30:08.160 in the heat of summer 00:30:08.160 –> 00:30:10.079 wolves will come and destroy them 00:30:10.079 –> 00:30:11.920 to be a sheep without a shepherd 00:30:11.920 –> 00:30:13.359 would be disastrous 00:30:16.160 –> 00:30:17.439 and for sinners like us 00:30:17.439 –> 00:30:18.160 it would be worse 00:30:20.160 –> 00:30:22.640 the worst that can happen to sheep without a shepherd 00:30:22.640 –> 00:30:23.760 is that they die 00:30:23.760 –> 00:30:25.280 but the worst that will happen 00:30:25.280 –> 00:30:26.959 to sinners who choose 00:30:26.959 –> 00:30:28.719 to be their own god 00:30:28.719 –> 00:30:30.000 is that when they die 00:30:30.000 –> 00:30:32.000 ahead of them is a dark hell 00:30:32.000 –> 00:30:34.400 in which they will be utterly alone 00:30:34.400 –> 00:30:35.760 forever and forever 00:30:39.040 –> 00:30:40.640 but David is not on his own 00:30:42.560 –> 00:30:43.280 he can say 00:30:44.800 –> 00:30:46.319 the Lord is my shepherd 00:30:48.160 –> 00:30:49.760 the Lord owns me 00:30:49.760 –> 00:30:52.880 and because he owns me 00:30:52.880 –> 00:30:55.040 i am confident the goodness and mercy 00:30:55.040 –> 00:30:57.199 will follow me all the days of my life 00:30:57.760 –> 00:31:00.160 and when i die i will not 00:31:00.160 –> 00:31:02.319 go into outer darkness 00:31:02.319 –> 00:31:04.400 my shepherd will welcome me home 00:31:05.920 –> 00:31:06.880 and i will dwell 00:31:07.760 –> 00:31:09.760 in the house of the Lord 00:31:10.959 –> 00:31:11.520 forever 00:31:12.640 –> 00:31:14.880 friends what a marvelous thing 00:31:14.880 –> 00:31:16.640 it is to be wholly owned 00:31:16.640 –> 00:31:18.959 by the son of God 00:31:19.920 –> 00:31:21.199 to know that you are his 00:31:22.719 –> 00:31:24.800 in life, in death, forever 00:31:25.760 –> 00:31:27.280 to know that you’ve been bought 00:31:27.839 –> 00:31:29.199 and that you’ve been born 00:31:29.199 –> 00:31:30.160 into this flock 00:31:30.719 –> 00:31:32.239 to know that he owns you 00:31:33.599 –> 00:31:35.439 and because he owns you 00:31:35.439 –> 00:31:36.479 he will lead you 00:31:36.479 –> 00:31:37.599 he will restore you 00:31:37.599 –> 00:31:38.800 he will protect you 00:31:38.800 –> 00:31:39.680 he will feed you 00:31:39.680 –> 00:31:40.959 he will love you forever 00:31:42.800 –> 00:31:44.640 and even the darkest valley 00:31:44.640 –> 00:31:45.920 is made safe for you 00:31:45.920 –> 00:31:47.359 by his presence 00:31:47.359 –> 00:31:49.280 and you have a glorious 00:31:49.280 –> 00:31:50.400 eternal future 00:31:51.599 –> 00:31:52.239 in his home 00:31:54.400 –> 00:31:56.319 the Heidelberg Catechism 00:31:56.319 –> 00:31:57.439 an old document 00:31:57.439 –> 00:31:58.640 from a previous century 00:31:58.640 –> 00:32:00.079 that teaches the Christian faith 00:32:00.079 –> 00:32:00.800 in the form of 00:32:00.800 –> 00:32:02.000 questions and answers 00:32:02.000 –> 00:32:02.959 begins with this 00:32:02.959 –> 00:32:04.719 very important question 00:32:04.719 –> 00:32:06.560 and a very important answer 00:32:06.560 –> 00:32:07.599 question 00:32:07.599 –> 00:32:10.400 What is your only comfort 00:32:10.400 –> 00:32:12.239 in life and in death? 00:32:13.119 –> 00:32:14.880 and the answer 00:32:17.280 –> 00:32:20.000 that I am NOT my own 00:32:21.599 –> 00:32:22.479 now do you see that 00:32:22.479 –> 00:32:23.920 that is the exact opposite 00:32:23.920 –> 00:32:25.199 of the way that the world thinks 00:32:27.439 –> 00:32:28.239 life will be good 00:32:28.239 –> 00:32:29.280 if I am my own 00:32:30.239 –> 00:32:31.280 if I’m in charge 00:32:31.280 –> 00:32:32.640 If I’m my own master 00:32:32.640 –> 00:32:34.160 the captain of my fate 00:32:34.160 –> 00:32:35.280 and all the rest of it 00:32:37.760 –> 00:32:38.959 Heidelberg Catechism 00:32:38.959 –> 00:32:40.400 says the greatest comfort 00:32:40.400 –> 00:32:41.920 in life and in death 00:32:41.920 –> 00:32:42.479 is this 00:32:43.839 –> 00:32:45.359 that I’m not my own 00:32:47.119 –> 00:32:50.160 but that I belong 00:32:50.160 –> 00:32:51.599 body and soul 00:32:51.599 –> 00:32:53.119 in life and in death 00:32:53.119 –> 00:32:54.719 to my faithful savior 00:32:54.719 –> 00:32:55.439 Jesus Christ 00:32:55.439 –> 00:32:56.640 the Lord is my shepherd 00:32:56.640 –> 00:32:57.920 that’s what it’s saying 00:32:59.599 –> 00:33:01.219 and because the lord 00:33:01.219 –> 00:33:02.160 is my shepherd 00:33:02.160 –> 00:33:04.400 here’s what inevitably 00:33:04.400 –> 00:33:04.959 follows 00:33:06.000 –> 00:33:08.640 I shall not want 00:33:10.560 –> 00:33:11.680 now in these last moments 00:33:11.680 –> 00:33:12.719 think about this with me 00:33:12.719 –> 00:33:15.119 David carried an enormous weight 00:33:15.119 –> 00:33:16.400 of responsibility 00:33:16.400 –> 00:33:17.280 on his shoulders 00:33:18.479 –> 00:33:19.760 he grew up as a shepherd 00:33:20.479 –> 00:33:21.680 but God’s great calling 00:33:21.680 –> 00:33:22.239 on his life 00:33:22.239 –> 00:33:23.280 was to be a king 00:33:24.560 –> 00:33:26.000 and when he became king 00:33:26.000 –> 00:33:28.079 his task was to united 00:33:28.079 –> 00:33:30.800 a chronically divided nation 00:33:32.400 –> 00:33:34.239 he had to shepherd 00:33:34.239 –> 00:33:35.280 the people of God 00:33:36.000 –> 00:33:38.479 and in 2nd Samuel chapter 5 00:33:38.479 –> 00:33:39.859 the tribes of Israel 00:33:40.819 –> 00:33:41.780 and they say 00:33:41.780 –> 00:33:44.099 we are your bone and your flesh 00:33:44.099 –> 00:33:45.380 and the Lord has said to you 00:33:45.380 –> 00:33:49.140 you shall shepherd my people Israel 00:33:50.819 –> 00:33:52.819 so David was called as the king 00:33:52.819 –> 00:33:54.660 to shepherd the flock of God 00:33:54.660 –> 00:33:55.780 how could he do that? 00:33:58.180 –> 00:33:59.939 I mean how could David 00:33:59.939 –> 00:34:01.380 lead God’s people 00:34:03.140 –> 00:34:04.979 how could David protect 00:34:04.979 –> 00:34:05.699 God’s people 00:34:05.699 –> 00:34:08.979 how could he restore 00:34:08.979 –> 00:34:09.219 God’s people 00:34:09.219 –> 00:34:10.899 how could he love God’s people 00:34:12.820 –> 00:34:13.300 question 00:34:14.580 –> 00:34:14.979 David 00:34:16.899 –> 00:34:18.100 how in all the world 00:34:18.100 –> 00:34:19.300 are you going to shepherd 00:34:19.300 –> 00:34:20.340 the flock of God 00:34:21.780 –> 00:34:22.260 answer 00:34:24.020 –> 00:34:28.419 because the lord is my shepherd 00:34:29.860 –> 00:34:31.060 and what he has called me 00:34:31.060 –> 00:34:32.020 to do for others 00:34:32.899 –> 00:34:35.219 he himself will do for me 00:34:37.379 –> 00:34:38.500 now you think about that 00:34:38.820 –> 00:34:39.860 regards to your own life 00:34:39.860 –> 00:34:41.060 in these last moments 00:34:41.060 –> 00:34:42.979 god has put responsibility 00:34:42.979 –> 00:34:44.260 on your shoulders 00:34:44.260 –> 00:34:44.739 how are you going 00:34:44.739 –> 00:34:45.620 to discharge it 00:34:46.979 –> 00:34:48.260 other people look to you 00:34:48.260 –> 00:34:49.060 for leadership 00:34:49.060 –> 00:34:49.540 here you are 00:34:49.540 –> 00:34:50.419 you’re a parent 00:34:51.699 –> 00:34:53.459 and you have the responsibility 00:34:53.459 –> 00:34:54.899 of raising these 00:34:54.899 –> 00:34:56.500 little children with wisdom 00:34:56.500 –> 00:34:57.300 how in the world 00:34:57.300 –> 00:34:58.580 are you going to do that 00:34:58.580 –> 00:34:59.379 in this world 00:35:01.060 –> 00:35:02.340 you have responsibility 00:35:02.340 –> 00:35:03.060 for parents 00:35:03.699 –> 00:35:04.419 you’ve been given 00:35:04.419 –> 00:35:05.780 trust in your employment 00:35:05.780 –> 00:35:06.260 you’re going to have 00:35:06.260 –> 00:35:07.540 to make decisions 00:35:07.540 –> 00:35:08.580 that will affect 00:35:08.580 –> 00:35:09.300 the lives 00:35:09.300 –> 00:35:10.260 of other people 00:35:10.260 –> 00:35:11.139 you’re a shepherd 00:35:13.060 –> 00:35:15.459 you have a duty of care 00:35:17.300 –> 00:35:18.260 how in the world 00:35:18.260 –> 00:35:19.300 are you going to carry 00:35:19.300 –> 00:35:20.659 this responsibility 00:35:20.659 –> 00:35:21.540 and how are you going 00:35:21.540 –> 00:35:23.379 to discharge this duty 00:35:23.379 –> 00:35:26.260 listen you can shepherd others 00:35:26.260 –> 00:35:27.780 because the lord himself 00:35:27.780 –> 00:35:28.739 will shepherd you 00:35:30.340 –> 00:35:31.219 you will be able 00:35:31.219 –> 00:35:33.459 to restore and refresh others 00:35:33.459 –> 00:35:34.820 as the lord restores 00:35:34.820 –> 00:35:35.860 and refreshes you 00:35:36.659 –> 00:35:37.459 you will be able 00:35:37.459 –> 00:35:38.820 to provide for others 00:35:38.820 –> 00:35:40.899 as the lord provides for you 00:35:40.899 –> 00:35:41.860 you will be able 00:35:41.860 –> 00:35:43.780 to keep on loving others 00:35:43.780 –> 00:35:46.580 as the lord keeps on loving you 00:35:46.580 –> 00:35:48.020 and that is why David says 00:35:48.020 –> 00:35:49.540 now the lord is my shepherd 00:35:49.540 –> 00:35:50.979 that’s why I shall not want 00:35:52.100 –> 00:35:53.780 it is the inevitable consequence 00:35:53.780 –> 00:35:55.540 this is the logic of faith 00:35:55.540 –> 00:35:56.899 the lord is your shepherd 00:35:56.899 –> 00:35:58.340 it follows inevitably 00:35:59.699 –> 00:36:00.659 irrevocably 00:36:01.219 –> 00:36:04.179 that I shall not want 00:36:04.179 –> 00:36:06.739 you will face hard decisions 00:36:06.739 –> 00:36:08.260 where it is very difficult 00:36:08.260 –> 00:36:09.219 to know the way 00:36:09.219 –> 00:36:09.939 but you know what 00:36:09.939 –> 00:36:11.300 the lord is your shepherd 00:36:11.300 –> 00:36:12.899 and he will lead you 00:36:12.899 –> 00:36:13.860 in right paths 00:36:14.820 –> 00:36:15.860 and you will have times 00:36:15.860 –> 00:36:17.379 when you feel depleted 00:36:18.100 –> 00:36:19.219 but you know the lord 00:36:19.219 –> 00:36:20.100 is your shepherd 00:36:20.100 –> 00:36:22.260 and he will restore your soul 00:36:23.219 –> 00:36:24.179 you will have times 00:36:24.179 –> 00:36:25.780 when you face great opposition 00:36:25.780 –> 00:36:27.300 and you will look evil 00:36:27.300 –> 00:36:28.179 in the face 00:36:28.179 –> 00:36:29.540 and it will be frightening 00:36:29.540 –> 00:36:31.300 but the lord is your shepherd 00:36:31.459 –> 00:36:33.540 and he will protect you 00:36:34.979 –> 00:36:35.780 and when you face 00:36:35.780 –> 00:36:37.139 the dark valley of death 00:36:38.500 –> 00:36:40.100 the lord will be your shepherd 00:36:40.979 –> 00:36:42.179 he will walk with you 00:36:43.379 –> 00:36:44.659 and on the other side 00:36:44.659 –> 00:36:47.939 you will dwell in his house forever 00:36:49.219 –> 00:36:50.260 brothers and sisters 00:36:50.260 –> 00:36:51.060 isn’t it the most 00:36:51.060 –> 00:36:52.500 marvelous thing in the world 00:36:52.500 –> 00:36:53.620 to be wholly owned 00:36:53.620 –> 00:36:54.739 by the son of god 00:36:55.699 –> 00:36:56.580 for you to be able 00:36:56.580 –> 00:36:57.699 to go into this week 00:36:57.699 –> 00:37:00.179 and say the lord is my shepherd 00:37:00.179 –> 00:37:01.860 and because he’s my shepherd 00:37:01.860 –> 00:37:05.780 i have all that i need 00:37:06.899 –> 00:37:09.060 the king of love my shepherd is 00:37:10.020 –> 00:37:12.260 whose goodness faileth never 00:37:13.219 –> 00:37:16.820 i nothing lack if i am his 00:37:18.100 –> 00:37:21.780 and he is mine forever 00:37:21.780 –> 00:37:22.659 let’s pray together 00:37:24.659 –> 00:37:26.020 our father we pray 00:37:26.020 –> 00:37:29.860 that the sure and certain knowledge 00:37:29.939 –> 00:37:32.659 that you are the great shepherd of the sheep 00:37:34.340 –> 00:37:37.300 may encourage all of us 00:37:37.300 –> 00:37:38.659 who belong to you 00:37:38.659 –> 00:37:41.060 being bought and born into the flock 00:37:42.500 –> 00:37:45.620 and may entice those who have resisted you 00:37:47.060 –> 00:37:51.060 that together we may come to that place of knowing 00:37:52.340 –> 00:37:54.419 that the best thing in life and death 00:37:54.419 –> 00:37:55.939 is not to be our own 00:37:55.939 –> 00:38:01.060 but to be wholly owned by the son of God 00:38:02.100 –> 00:38:03.860 who loved us 00:38:03.860 –> 00:38:05.219 and gave himself for us 00:38:06.179 –> 00:38:07.060 hear our prayers 00:38:07.060 –> 00:38:08.659 and encourage our hearts 00:38:08.659 –> 00:38:10.340 in Jesus’ name 00:38:11.219 –> 00:38:12.179 amen 00:38:15.860 –> 00:38:18.260 You’ve been listening to a sermon with Pastor Colin Smith 00:38:18.260 –> 00:38:19.540 of Open the Bible 00:38:19.540 –> 00:38:24.820 To contact us, call us at 1-877-OPEN-365 00:38:24.820 –> 00:38:33.060 or visit our website, OpenTheBible.org