We have spent several weeks on the 23rd Psalm. This particular sermon is subtitled “Tools of the Trade.” No one knew more about the tools of the trade for a shepherd than did David. He was a shepherd!

David had some really good chapters in his life. He had amazing times when God really showed up in his life and allowed him to accomplish unbelievable things. David had some really bad moments too, some of his own making! Yet, as David looked back on his life, he only had this to say, The Lord is my Shepherd.

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In the first three verses of Psalm 23, David talked about how the Lord “shepherded” him. He talked about the green pastures, the still waters, and how the Good Shepherd “restored his soul.” (The Good Shepherd doesn’t leave anything out!)

Then David said, “He leaders me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” There are many different paths in the life of a sheep as they are always moving to find adequate pasture. The shepherd always knows the best path for the sheep. Our lives are always changing too, and the Good Shepherd knows the best path for us as well! 

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It is important when life changes, and it is always changing, that we make sure we are filling the path of the Shepherd’s leading! At any moment, we can find ourselves on the wrong path!

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When you are following the Good Shepherd, you have nothing to fear! David said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23.4

It is interesting in this passage, that the very same tools with which the Shepherd disciplines the sheep he also protects the sheep! In fact, many times God’s discipline in our lives is his protection!

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David said that the “rod and staff” of the Shepherd “comforted” him! David had been disciplined by the Lord many times, but at this stage in his life he was thankful for the Good Shepherd’s involvement in his life, even when it meant discipline because he knew the Good Shepherd had his best in mind!

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Does the rod and staff of the Good Shepherd bring you comfort, or do you resent and resist his leading? You see, he is leading you in the best paths for your life, the paths of righteousness! It can be painful at times, but he knows the best path for your life!

Another tool the shepherd uses with the sheep is oil. David said that he “anointed his head with oil. 

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There were lots of good reasons for the Shepherd to place oil on the head of the sheep. The oil acted as a repellent for the many pests the sheep encountered, and it was not just for convenience's sake, but actually for their health!

As Christians, our “head” is a source for many “pests.” For us as Christians, lots of bad things begin in our head, so the Good Shepherd anoints our head with oil, the oil of the Holy Spirit to purify us, to sanitize us, and cleanse our minds! 

Finally, David says, “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23.6-7

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This is often overlooked as a meaningless benediction, but it is more than that. David says that God’s goodness and mercy “pursues” us. He doesn’t let us go! If you belong to the Lord, you cannot get away from him. He will pursue you for your own good! But why would you want to get away from the Good Shepherd? He knows what you need and has the ability to provide it!

Is it settled in your mind that you belong to the Lord? He loves you, and only wants the best for you!

jlk