"The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I want."

This sermon was included as part of the discussion of Psalm 23 that I did in a bible study last fall. I have finally gotten around to pulling it up online to share. It is long, but worth the read!

Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
Text: Psalm 23 (NIV)
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

My Shepherd
A Sunday school teacher asked her group of children if any of them could quote the entire twenty-third psalm. A golden-haired, 4 ½ year old girl was among those who raised their hands. A bit sceptical, the teacher asked if she could really say the entire psalm. The little girl stood up, faced the class, made a little bow, and said: "The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I want." She then bowed again and sat down. She may have overlooked a few verses, but that little girl captured the message of Psalm 23.

For many of us as long as we can remember the pictures of Jesus, the Good Shepherd in Sunday School leaflets, in our Bible story books, or hanging on our walls, have helped us understand what kind of a God we have.

"The Lord is my shepherd..." Generations have memorised it. It is one of the first Bible passages we learn, and, often it is among the last words said over us when we die, and heard again by those who mourn at a funeral.

This psalm is a wonderful affirmation of our faith in God’s love, his care for us at all times and his ability to protect.
This psalm is an expression of what it means to enjoy perfect peace of mind, a peace of mind that flows from an undoubting trust in God. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." It is clear that the writer has passed through many bitter experiences, fought many battles, come close to death, and has experienced the serenity, the peace of mind and, in danger, the strength that comes from his loving God.

It is worth noting the strong use of the words "I" and "my". "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me…" Even though the words "I", "me" and "my" appear on every line of the psalm, the focus is not on the writer but God. He is giving expression to his own personal relationship with God.

The help and confidence that God has given him evokes the picture of a shepherd caring for sheep and he is trying to describe what the presence of God has meant to him personally. When God is referred to as a shepherd in the Old Testament he is usually the shepherd of a group of people, or of a nation, but in this psalm this shepherding nature of God is personal. An individual person has experienced God’s guidance and presence.

I would guess that there may have been some significant event in the life of the writer that led him to express his faith and trust in God in such a vivid and striking way. Whatever the circumstances that led the writer to compose this beautiful song about his trust in God the shepherd, we are grateful because these words, first sung several thousand years ago, still have a powerful affect on us today as we face all kinds of difficulties, and experience the Lord as our shepherd.

One writer has attempted to describe the leading and guiding experience that may have led the psalmist to see himself as a helpless, lost sheep saved by the shepherd. The story goes like this -

A man is on a journey. The blazing midday heat of the desert is long gone, and the bitter cold of desert night is coming fast. The road has disappeared into the twilight. The food and water he had packed had run out hours ago, and the traveller is parched and hungry. In the distance, a jackal howls. Fears of wild animals and bands of robbers invade his mind. He regrets having begun this journey, and wonders if it will be his last.

But then the traveller sees a figure on a hillside, outlined against the darkening sky: a shepherd - a common, ordinary man, but one who knows these hillsides and ravines. The shepherd goes down to the weary traveller, and leads him up out of the dark valley where danger lurked in the shadows to a place where the last beams of sun still light the way ahead. He leads the traveller to a grassy meadow, and invites him to lie down and rest awhile. The shepherd cups water from the oasis spring in his hands, and offers it. The traveller drinks and drinks and drinks.

And as he drinks he glances up to see the shepherd’s rod, the dangerous-looking club with which he protects the sheep, and his staff, or walking-stick. It is comforting to see these symbols of a man who knows his way through the desert.

When the traveller has rested a bit, the two walk on, following "the right paths" this time, to a black goatskin tent. The shepherd invites the man into his own tent. The inside of the tent is lit with oil lamps, and decorated with carpets that are as intricate and beautiful as the goatskin tent is plain.

There is no fear now; the laws of Middle Eastern hospitality are in effect. As long as the traveller is in the shepherd’s tent, the shepherd is absolutely pledged to protect him from all enemies.

The two sit cross-legged at a low table, and the shepherd spreads out a meal - a simple meal that somehow tastes better than any our traveller has ever had: steaming lamb stew, soft pita bread, succulent dates. In a timeless gesture of honour, the host pours a flask of fragrant oil over the guest’s head, and pours wine into his cup until it overflows.

The fears of night have been transformed; where there might have been terror, there is now serenity and trust. (Author unknown)

Perhaps it was a rescue like this; the protection and hospitality that David once felt that led him to write this beautiful psalm. This experience was so moving, this rescue from the very jaws of death so unforgettable, that the writer came to see it as symbolic of God's love.

"The Lord is my shepherd". Because the Lord is looking out for me right now, "I shall not be in want" - I have everything I need.

"He makes me lie down" - I get my proper rest because someone who knows what I need is watching out for me. "In green pastures" - surroundings that lend themselves to comfort and allow me to relax, be nourished, and be myself.
"He leads me" - I don’t have to find my own way; I have a guide whom I can trust.
"He restores my soul" - when I am down, he lifts me up, gives me confidence and security.
"He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake" – I’m not ever going to be left to fend for myself, not because I deserve such special attention, but rather because the shepherd who guides me is so special. I am protected simply because he is my shepherd who takes care of me.
"I fear no evil; for you are with me." Yes, the dark valleys have been there, and I have had to make my way through them, but I was never alone; the shepherd was my companion. I was able to be confident in the face of adversity. Why? "Your rod and your staff—they comfort me." They are symbols of your protection over me and the way you guide me.
When I make bad choices you are there to help me.
When I get into trouble you are there to rescue me.
When I’m afraid and discouraged you lift me up.
When I am tired from life’s problems, you pick me up and carry me.

My shepherd has done such a good job looking after me that I am able to live with confidence even in full view of those things and people who want to do me harm. It is as though "You prepare a [banquet] table before me in the presence of my enemies" - they are powerless to do anything about it; all they can do is watch. Your care has been lavish: "You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

And because of all of this I can look to the future with such assurance. "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." My future is sure and secure. All this is so because "The Lord is my Shepherd." My shepherd provides all that I could ever ask and more.

It’s no wonder this psalm has been so popular. This is a psalm for every day and every situation.
In times of sickness or hospitalization;
in those times when you parted from a loved one, and felt pain so deep it seemed your life was being torn apart;
in those times when the dark night of doubt, or a spell of uncontrolled anxiety or fear overwhelm you;
in those times when we wonder whether God could still love someone who has been such a disappointment to him;
whether young or old, this psalm expresses the love that our heavenly Shepherd has for us and our total trust in that love.

When we are facing those low times in life it’s not unusual to feel completely alone, to think that no one could possibly know what we are going through. The message of the Psalm is clear - the shepherd is near at hand, even if we fail to sense it. There is something precious in the fact that the one exalted to rule the universe as king is also our shepherd, who encounters us in our private, dark desert nights, who offers cool water, who watches over us in every circumstance.

But why should we receive such special treatment? What have we done so that we are given such security and protection? In fact it’s more likely we deserve anything but help from God. You and I know very well how much we sin and daily keep on bringing hurt to our relationship with our Shepherd. Yes, our sinfulness does sadden our God but it doesn’t stop his love for us. He knows each of us and our special needs, most likely better than we know them ourselves.

The New Testament re-emphasises the shepherding nature of God. Jesus identifies himself with the shepherd that David spoke of with such affection and trust when Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me… - and I lay down my life for the sheep (John 10:14). He is our shepherd who helps, forgives, guides and protects. He demonstrated his commitment to us when he "lay down his life for us sheep" and he wants us to trust that love.

I don't know all that the future holds for me. That's in the hands of my Shepherd. But of one thing I'm certain: The Lord is my shepherd and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. As the little girl said when reciting the psalm, "The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I want."

© Pastor Vince Gerhardy
St Paul's Lutheran Church, Caboolture - 17th April, 2005

Ahh! Stooooppppp!

Have you ever seen your car on a flatbed tow truck? It is not fun. On Monday, we went to see some new historical displays and tour at a local church. I really paid attention to where I parked, because there is not much parking near by. I was excited because I found one on the same block.

We went and did our tour and then Mason Jr wanted to leave after we had scoured the crypt and seen the secret of the baptism font.

As we were coming out of the front doors, I happened to see my blue minivan at eye level. That was a little strange, since we were up several steps on the landing. It clicked - Ahh! Stooooppppp!

I was in the right and the parking attendant had to get the towing company to lower my car off of the truck. No arguments, just his frustration. Oh well.
Thank you Lord (& Mason) for suggesting we head outside at that moment.

The 17th Spring Market

These last few days have been filled with sadness

These last few days have been filled with sadness. Our next door neighbor and close friend passed away yesterday. I can't even get a handle around the grief that set in when we knew that this would be her last trip to the hospital.

Her husband set up a page so that he could update friends and family on her progress through her latest battle with cancer. I have read through many of the condolence messages that friends and family have posted. And I am quoting someone that said "the rain is falling and the tears are falling!"

Getting Prepped!

Show week is next week! We are getting prepped for all of the various show week tasks along with getting everything else done.

The 17th Spring Market of The Bizarre Bazaar (how's that for a mouth full) runs from Friday April 3rd 10am - 7pm through Sunday April 5th.

Location: Richmond Raceway Complex

Fun!

More Fun!

All Sweater'd Out!

I decided this morning that I am all sweater'd out. I am sick and tired of wearing sweaters and being cold. So today I wore a 3/4" sleeve wrap top. And I was freezing! Growl!!!

winter fishing trip

Mason went fishing with some folks from work. I am glad that I wasn't invited (ha ha) because Mason said it was freezing and early, early, early morning on the water!
Luckily he got some good photos I can share.

Sniffle, Sniffle, cough, cough

Sunday evening and Monday morning we realized we were slowed down again by one of the many winter colds. DS has a croupy cough and off and on low fever and has been out of school Monday and Tuesday so far. It stinks to see your child sick. He told me the other day that he would try not to get me sick. I told him it was okay, I would rather comfort him and help to make him feel better than stay away and worry about catching his cold.

Slow Learner

So, new computers seem to be my theme for 2009. I got one to use in my office at work - and that has a lot larger learning curve because it is a Mac. I have worked on them off and on, but not had one that I could call my own in more than 6 years. Then at home, DH got me a laptop that we can use as our home computer.

This week I have been having difficulty with finicky mouses, strange buttons in stranger places, and getting used to the whole wireless and sharing capabilities.

So I realized that I have become a slow learner.

Blog backgrounds

I am not sure how many folks actually read my blog and would notice any changes, but I have added the "Followers" gadget and hope that if you do follow my blog you would become a "follower" so that I know.

I have an itch to get just the right blog template and background. I have tried several free ones in the last few weeks and just can't find what I am looking for. I have tried btemplates, pyzam and the basic ones offered on blogger. I am back to blogger for the time being because at least it recognizes all of the boxes and updates when you need it to, etc.

I am not sure if you know it, but I am a rearranger - house rearranger that is - and this fills that same need. So it might be ongoing. I will keep you posted! ha ha

Spring Joyful Hearts

My Spring bible study will start in 2 weeks. They picked a book that sounds really intriguing! "If You want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat" by John Ortberg.

Has anyone read it?

Les Vents d'Anges Viognier

Am I speaking another language? Well, kind of. This is the name of one of the Virginia wines that I have tried recently. I got a mixed case of wine from Keswick Vineyards and feel as if I am trying all new things. My friend suggested these wines and said that her favorite is the Cabernet Franc. So far that is my favorite also.

Caravati Christmas Party slideshow

Click on the title bar to see some of the recently acquired 40+ photos that I used in the 2008 Caravati Christmas Party slideshow.

Set for the Sailing Season!

DH has gotten all excited about the 2009 sailing season and
made some purchases over the off season.

We are all looking forward to being at the river more this year
and being on the water more too!

headaches, ugh

Oh - I have had the worst headache ever. Course, I don't usually get headaches! I have a sinus infection and it has been horrible. I don't know how folks that get headaches on a regular basis can deal with it.

I went to the doctor last Friday afternoon and he gave me a prescription medicine and ear drops. So I thought by Monday I would be feeling better. Wrong.

I feel like I was whining when I called back and told them I was feeling worse. So I went back in yesterday afternoon. This time he gave me a steroid pack to take - thinking that the swollen sinus passages and ear could be the problem.

I am feeling much better today. Now that is more like it!

Are you ready?

Are you ready to jump into 2009? I know that I am looking forward to tomorrow because we are spending it with some of my college friends that I don't get to see often. But am I ready for 2008 to be over? I don't know.

I heard someone today talking about resolutions and how he thinks he might just strive to do better than last year and not pick a specific resolution. I could use that idea and strive to do better at eating healthy and keeping track of our weight.
I started tonight by using my new dutch oven to fix thin cutlets of chicken with sauteed onions, garlic, red peppers and diced tomatoes. Then I served it over baby spinach like a salad. It was good and filling. Of course, the leftover christmas cookies from downstairs are still calling my name. . .

Holiday Traditions

We had a discussion last night about holiday traditions which reminds me of the decisions I have been trying to make in my own household. How are we supposed to make Christmas special for our children while at the same time celebrating the birth of Christ?

I have been gathering books on Advent and looking through crafts to come up with ideas of things to do with kids this season. I am having fun with changing the focus for our family.

I hope that your season is joyful and you are able to enjoy the christmas spirit with your families too!

Old School Photos

I have been enjoying finding and scanning old school photos and tagging classmates from over the years. Here are some of those photos!


St. Bridget's School - 1984


St. Bridget's School - 1983


Hanover Academy - my 3rd grade class


Hanover Academy - my 2nd grade class 1977