Yahweh Is My Shepherd

Psalm 23

Introduction

1.      The use of “Yahweh” is to distinguish our God from all other gods

2.      As times get worse, people begin to seek out something upon which they can depend

3.      The Bible provides an answer in Psalm 23, yet for many it is not the answer that pleases them

4.      There are two key thoughts that begin and end the passage, with the blessings sandwiched between those two thoughts  

Discussion

1.      Yahweh is our shepherd by personal choice

a.       Personal loss does not affect someone whose shepherd is Yahweh  

b.      There are no economic, natural nor other disasters for the one whose shepherd is Yahweh  

c.       Job’s classic response to disaster – Job 1:21  

d.      Paul’s classic response to imprisonment – Phil 4:11  

e.       Our worries reveal our gods – worry gives power to that about which we worry  

2.      Yahweh provides for our needs

a.       There is food and water  

b.      There is adequate information for determining the right course (a life without guilt)  

c.       There is protection from harm – there is no “evil” to fear (neither people nor things)  

d.      There is comfort in the discipline that Yahweh administers (David furnishes us with an example of God’s discipline)  

e.       There is rejoicing in what is provided – Phil 4:4  

3.      We live in His family

a.       “House” in this passage cannot be a reference to the tabernacle or the temple, but refers to “family”  

b.      David belonged to the “family” of Israel – the present desire of Jewish people to be “Jewish” even when they do not believe in God  

c.       Yahweh’s people now belong to Christ’s church – 1 Tim 3:15  

d.      Acts 2:44-47  

Conclusion

1.       Yahweh is not your shepherd if you are not in His flock

2.      Yahweh is not obligated to provide for you if you are not in His “house”

3.      John 10 – Jesus is the door (see John 10:10)

4.      Repentance and baptism open the door