Introduction: The 23rd Psalm is a picture of the relationship that exist between a Shepherd and his Master Shepherd as well as his Sheep. David gives us a picture of "who" we are as followers of Christ, and "what" our relationship is to Him and to one another. Throughout the Bible we find the metaphor being used where we are the Sheep and Christ is the Shepherd.
The relationship that exist between the Shepherd and his Sheep best describes the relationship that should exist between Christ and his Church. It also outlines the attitude that must exist between Pastors and the Congregation for the Church to function correctly.
The Church of today has lost many of these basic truths on which the early church was established. The Church has gotten into many area's of so called "ministry" that Christ has not intended. The Pastor, or Shepherd of the flock has become the jack-of-all-trades, taking on roles which he is not "called" or equipped. For our church to continue to grow, it must be built on sound Biblical principles. We must also understand what our responsibility is to God and to one another. This series will be spiritual "meat and potatoes" not cake and ice cream. But I promise that not only will the church prosper, but you will grow spiritually if practiced.
The Shepherd and His Relationship to His Sheep Psalms 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Hebrew: "ra`ah, meaning; to feed or tend to a flock, to associate with as a friend)
(A) David was saying; "The Lord is my Companion, Friend, that feeds me and tends to my needs
(B) The Lord must be Shepherd to us "all", however, in His Church he places Pastors as His "undershepherds" to feed and tend the flock. The same Hebrew word for Shepherd is also used for Pastor. ( And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jer. 3:15 )
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph. 4:11-12
(C) Jesus instructed Simon Peter: He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:17
(D) Paul instructed Pastors of the Early Church: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Acts 20:28
The First Responsibility of the Shepherd is to "Feed" the Flock (A) Sheep must have 2 Things to Survive: (1) An abundance of Pasture. (2) A good supply of Water. A good shepherd makes sure there is an abundant supply of both.
(B) If you and I are to survive "spiritually", we need an abundance of Food, (Word) and Water. (Spirit)
Look at the Shepherds Role in Providing Good Pasture, Grazing Land. (A) Sheep must eat until full before they "lie down" and rest. (No Food, No Rest) With no rest they will not "feed" or care for their Lambs. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2 (Maketh: To make possible, not to "force". You can force no one to eat or drink ! Pastors can only lead you to the Word.
(B) Sheep like a routine, use same paths, eat same grass, stay in familiar folds.
(C) Sheep will "overgraze" and destroy their pasture, even the roots, will not come back.
(D) Sheep will leave their "droppings" where they eat, endanger their health, get diseased.
The Same is True With Church "Sheep" (A) They have their favorite routine, favorite folds, even favorite "grass" (Word) Some like "Faith grass," "Prophecy grass," "Prosperity grass, or "Holy Ghost grass".
(B) Its the Pastor - Shepherd's responsibility to lead you through all the Word of God. Paul said: For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Acts 20:27
(C) A Shepherd "centered" his Fold where they could move in a "circle", so the pasture could replentish. Church sheep won't come unless your "grass" is being fed. (Rebellious Sheep)
A Real Problem in The Church Today (A) They want to become identified by certain Doctrine and Forms of Worship. Whatever brings a crowd. ( Prophecy - End Time - Faith - Healing - Prosperity - Shouting - Singing - Praise & Worship - Slain in the Spirit - Teaching - Preaching)
(B) We need it All ! We must never become an "issue" oriented Church. We must have our roots planted in the whole counsel of God.
The Second Responsibility of the Shepherd is to "Water" the Flock (A) There were 3 places a Shepherd could find Water for his Sheep:
Natural Streams: But these were only Seasonal, Wet and Dry.
Dug Wells: Also Seasonal as the water table dropped, could not dig deep enough.
The Grass: The Shepherd would move his sheep "early" in the morning before dawn, while the grass was dripping with "dew". As they would eat, they soon discovered they were "eating and drinking" at the same time ! Then by mid-morning the dew was gone but they were "filled and satisfied"
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Psalm 63:1
(B) Church, we need "discipline" to rise early and gather some "dew" "before" Sunday School and Morning Worship!
I See A Problem Among Our Pentecostal People Today (A) "Pentecostal Sheep" seeking the "Dew" apart from the "Grass." (Spirit - Word)
(B) Seeking a Spiritual experience apart from the Word is dangerous. (Inseperable) "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63
* When we hunger and thirst after God, seek His face early, you will find the richness of His Spirit will arise from the Word! I keep leading you to the Book ! If you are hungry and thirsty, read the Book !
* Only Sheep that are "filled" will find rest. Church, when you rush in for a little-dab-will do ya, sing my song, hit my button, then you wonder why you have no rest.
* How can I change my life, find peace and rest ? Get some discipline in your lifestyle, hunger and thirst after God in his Word until you are filled, then you say like David: "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want!"
Go To Part 2