INTRODUCTION
This is the one of the most popular verse in the Bible written by King David..
- I grew up reciting it every day from my my basic school days down to senior high. Very easy to memorize but I didn't know the true meaning back then.
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Oh! I Love this verse because it's gives a pictorial representation of the relationship between the SHEPARD (Jesus) and the the SHEEEPS (true believers).
- The most dangerous weapon of the devil is IGNORANCE. You don't know is not an excuse
- Follow me as we journey through Psalms 23 together.. I bet you, you'll learn something new because this verse shows and explains God's undying Love for His sheeps.
Psalms 23 - Dissection
- THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = That’s relationship
A Shepard is one who watches over a flock of sheeps and his duty is to ensure the sheeps are being fed and well protected.
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There's a very strong bond between the Shepherd and a the sheeps. That's why David used this scenario to butyress his point so as to give us a desciptive view.
I SHALL NOT WANT = That’s provision and supply.
It's God's duty to provide and cater for your needs and that is the plain truth. An understanding of this will ease your labour because you just know God is going to provide for your needs some way.
Psalms 34:10
" Thou the young lion do suffer hunger and lack; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing"
- As long as the sheep remains in the fold and doesn't wander away, it's supply and provision is constant
- HE MAKES ME LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES = That’s rest in abundance
- This speaks of rest in abundance and financial security.
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- HE LEADS ME BESIDE THE STILL WATERS'= That’s refreshment
- Still Waters’ in Psalm 23:2b literally means, “Restful waters”.
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- Our Shepherd wants to lead us to a place of rest, a place of trust, a place of confidence, a place where you rely on Him and focus on Him without anything that will distract you. He wants to take the “heavy load” from your life and replace it with His everlasting peace and rest.
- HE RESTORES MY SOUL = That’s healing and also speaks of forgiveness
The word RESTORATION also speaks of renewal of strength and vigor.
- Often times, sheeps are always guilty of straying away from the fold (missing the way), but when they come back, they're restored and returned back to the fold.
- You missing the way doesn't make you condemned, find your way back to the Good Shepherd and like the Prodigal son, your old estates will be returned back to you.
- HE LEADS ME IN THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAME SAKE = That’s conscious guidance
- Righteousness means right standing with God.
Guess what.... The Shepard duty is to do this not your works..
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- Righteousness is a GIFT and it's not something you can buy or work for.
2 Corinthians 5:21
"For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ"
- As long as we follow the Good Shepherd, we won't miss our way because He'll always lead us through the right path.
- EVEN THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH = That’s testing with an assurance of overcoming
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- My pastor will always say, to get promoted to the next class, you must write a test or an exam. You will only get promoted when you pass.
- Jesus didn't say you won't face trials and temptations. On the contrary He said you'll face many but the goodnews is that you'll ALWAYS overcome because the good Shepard is always with
John 16:33
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
- So when we face trials, lets have the OVERCOMMERS MINDSET
- I WILL FEAR NO EVIL= That’s protection
- As long as you're in the fold, your safety is guaranteed.
- FOR YOU ARE WITH ME = That’s faithfulness
- YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF COMFORTS ME = That’s discipline
- The rod is used to protect the sheep as well as to correct the sheep from making deadly mistakes.
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David once advised Solomon his son never to disregard divine correction
- Correction is an act of love because the the child the father loves, he disciplines
Whosever hates correction, hates his/her soul
- YOU PREPARE A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES = That’s hope of continued supply
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Another verse that further authenticates God's promise of provision.
- YOU ANNIONTS MY HEAD WITH OIL = That’s consecration
Consecration means to be purified and in this context, It also means to be branded (means you're now a property of GOD). Whosoever sees the brand will keep off.
Galatians 6:17
"Henceforth, let no man trouble me because I bear in my body the mark of Christ"
- MY CUP RUNS OVER= That’s an outflow of abundance
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The most beautiful thing about overflowing blessings is that you automatically BECOME A BLESSING to others. That's the sign!
- SURELY, GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE = That’s a lifetime of blessing
- AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD= That’s security
- FOREVER= That’s Eternity
CONCLUSION
It is only the truth that you know that will set you free.
Happy Sunday and have a blissful day ahead. Cheers
