Thursday, February 28, 2013

Psalm 23 - Three Secrets


Introduction: Called The Pearl of the Psalms, the simplest and sweetest song that was ever sung, Psalm 23 is The Shepherd Psalm. With his harp David unfolds the profound yet practical working relationship between himself and the LORD his Shepherd. He takes us from the GLEN, down into the GORGE, and then on up to the GLORY. There are three secrets [1]:

I. The secret of a happy life (vv. 1-3)
Every need supplied [2]

• He gives me Peace
• He Leads me
• He restores my soul

II. The secret of a happy death (vv. 4, 5)
Every fear removed

• “the valley of the shadow of death”
• “I will fear no evil”
• “in the presence of my enemies”

III. The secret of a happy eternity (v. 6)
Every desire fulfilled

• My cup runs over
• Goodness and Mercy
• The House of the LORD

Conclusion: David’s assurance – “I shall dwell…” We too can have assurance – “that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13). Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you”. Because David could say “the LORD is my shepherd”, he had the blessed assurance that he was on his way to that wonderful place called heaven. Is the LORD your shepherd? Are you one of His sheep?

[1] John Phillips in his commentary on the Psalms uses this outline. However, I have seen this same outline in much older books. I don't know where it originated, but you can see why it is used and reused by generations of Bible students.

[2]“He makes me to lie down”: Phillip Keller in his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, explains how a sheep will not lie down until at least four requirements are met:

1. Free from fear
2. Free from friction (with other sheep, irritation)
3. Free from flies (aggravation)
4. Free from hunger


1 comment:

Dino G. said...

good word! thanks! it was a blessing durring our study on the 23rd