1 00:00:00,120 --> 00:00:04,080 Good morning everybody. So you can tell the people that 2 00:00:04,080 --> 00:00:06,480 heard me before that y'all know I'm pretty particular about my 3 00:00:06,480 --> 00:00:08,960 good mornings. This is the day the Lord has 4 00:00:08,960 --> 00:00:10,960 made so let's say it like we mean it. 5 00:00:10,960 --> 00:00:15,440 Good morning everybody. I still ain't feeling it. 6 00:00:15,440 --> 00:00:17,720 Let's do it one more time. Good morning everybody. 7 00:00:19,520 --> 00:00:21,040 Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. 8 00:00:21,840 --> 00:00:29,280 So I'm will what up like kind of like Jerry was saying, and if 9 00:00:29,280 --> 00:00:32,439 you've been here the past couple of weeks, this is like our Psalm 10 00:00:32,439 --> 00:00:37,800 intermission between series next week, actually cold comes back 11 00:00:37,800 --> 00:00:41,640 from sabbatical. And if you were here last week, 12 00:00:41,640 --> 00:00:44,680 you saw the departure of Carlos. So I'm like the substitute 13 00:00:44,680 --> 00:00:47,200 teacher, if you don't mind, you know what I mean. 14 00:00:47,200 --> 00:00:52,320 So as most substitutes, I'm going to try my best to go over 15 00:00:52,320 --> 00:00:55,200 this, this Lesson plan the way it was given to me. 16 00:00:55,200 --> 00:00:58,360 But I think we all know the Holy Spirit can make people a little 17 00:00:58,360 --> 00:01:02,600 emotional. Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen. 18 00:01:02,720 --> 00:01:10,600 So as we're giving our CG leaders, our, our roots leaders 19 00:01:11,040 --> 00:01:14,400 a break this month, I'm at shocker, no roots. 20 00:01:14,440 --> 00:01:17,680 He, he already said it, I'll say it again, the walkers, that's 21 00:01:17,680 --> 00:01:18,840 what they call it, the little walkers. 22 00:01:19,040 --> 00:01:20,640 Kind of creepy, but it's cool. We're going to call them 23 00:01:20,640 --> 00:01:24,440 walkers. But no, no, no, I want you to 24 00:01:24,440 --> 00:01:30,920 know that for me to kind of put this in perspective, I grew up 25 00:01:31,160 --> 00:01:33,680 on my dad's side of the family, just my dad's side alone. 26 00:01:33,680 --> 00:01:38,600 I have over 54 first cousins. So we exactly crazy nuts. 27 00:01:38,840 --> 00:01:40,720 So we're separated by generations. 28 00:01:40,720 --> 00:01:42,600 I'm used to being around little kids. 29 00:01:42,800 --> 00:01:46,640 I even got a brother-in-law who has 12 kids and one on the way. 30 00:01:46,960 --> 00:01:54,160 So I say all that to say it's OK if your children during this 31 00:01:54,160 --> 00:01:58,480 service and if your babies during this service act like 32 00:01:58,480 --> 00:02:03,560 children and babies, it's cool. I won't be offended. 33 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:09,039 Little confession. In fact, I I probably won't be 34 00:02:09,039 --> 00:02:14,160 able to say much because my one year old is probably be the the 35 00:02:14,160 --> 00:02:16,880 loudest and most destructive one here. 36 00:02:17,240 --> 00:02:18,920 Shout out of the fact that he's quiet this long. 37 00:02:18,920 --> 00:02:26,480 So Amen to that. But again, I just want you to 38 00:02:26,480 --> 00:02:30,920 know it's OK. This is a family gathering to go 39 00:02:30,920 --> 00:02:34,040 over a word that our father has given us. 40 00:02:34,080 --> 00:02:39,880 Amen, Amen, Amen. So we're going over one of the 41 00:02:39,880 --> 00:02:45,800 most popular and mainstream songs out there. 42 00:02:46,480 --> 00:02:51,040 Cole had asked us to pick a song and to discuss like, wow, he's 43 00:02:51,040 --> 00:02:52,560 on sabbatical. He's like, hey, yo, I need a 44 00:02:52,560 --> 00:02:55,000 break. Can you 3 pick a song to to 45 00:02:55,000 --> 00:02:58,160 preach over? And I remember singing this 46 00:02:58,160 --> 00:03:02,800 Psalm in college and even when I sang it in college, I, I really 47 00:03:02,800 --> 00:03:05,320 wasn't that familiar with it. I just to be honest thought it 48 00:03:05,320 --> 00:03:08,320 was like, hey, this, this is certified banger of a song. 49 00:03:08,680 --> 00:03:10,680 I love it. Certified banger means a really 50 00:03:10,680 --> 00:03:12,040 good song. If anyone didn't know their, you 51 00:03:12,040 --> 00:03:17,440 know, just like cultural translation, but, and I was 52 00:03:17,440 --> 00:03:19,160 like, yeah, I want to, I want to do that. 53 00:03:19,240 --> 00:03:21,440 And then I, I started like kind of discussing. 54 00:03:21,440 --> 00:03:26,200 I was like, oh, this, this text is kind of like popular, 55 00:03:26,200 --> 00:03:31,560 popular. And when it's like that when 56 00:03:31,560 --> 00:03:38,360 discussing discussing a popular text, it it's really easy, 57 00:03:39,640 --> 00:03:50,080 really easy to check out because you know it or even halfway 58 00:03:50,080 --> 00:03:53,320 listen to the message because it's so familiar. 59 00:03:54,880 --> 00:04:00,080 It's easy to reminisce on a study that you did, a sermon 60 00:04:00,080 --> 00:04:04,560 you've heard that probably was way better, a book you read. 61 00:04:05,720 --> 00:04:10,360 And you might even assume everything in the little point 62 00:04:10,360 --> 00:04:12,280 I'm going to hit in today's message. 63 00:04:14,120 --> 00:04:16,320 And I'm not going to lie, that might be the case. 64 00:04:19,600 --> 00:04:28,360 But even if it is, stay locked in because we'll be going over 65 00:04:28,360 --> 00:04:36,120 scripture, over word, over text that the creator of the universe 66 00:04:36,120 --> 00:04:41,080 wanted you to hear today. Some of you, like me, had no 67 00:04:41,080 --> 00:04:46,680 idea it was as popular of a song as it is. 68 00:04:47,720 --> 00:04:49,640 And we're treated like any other sermon. 69 00:04:49,640 --> 00:04:54,760 And and that's fine. I'm cool with that too, as long 70 00:04:54,800 --> 00:05:02,520 as you lock in because the Creator of the universe has a 71 00:05:02,520 --> 00:05:06,840 scripture that he wrote for you to go over today. 72 00:05:09,160 --> 00:05:12,360 And lastly, some of you might still be new to church. 73 00:05:13,680 --> 00:05:19,440 Might be your first Sunday ever and never heard of a Psalm or 74 00:05:19,440 --> 00:05:21,720 you've been pronouncing it palm. I did it too. 75 00:05:24,560 --> 00:05:30,840 Again, completely fine. The Creator of the universe 76 00:05:32,360 --> 00:05:36,960 breathed words and scripture into this book, and we're going 77 00:05:36,960 --> 00:05:42,000 over a passage today that he specifically has for you. 78 00:05:43,560 --> 00:05:47,920 Amen. OK, stand if you're able and 79 00:05:47,920 --> 00:05:49,680 let's let's read the word of God together. 80 00:05:55,430 --> 00:06:00,950 Perfect. A Psalm of David. 81 00:06:03,350 --> 00:06:07,790 The Lord is my shepherd. The Lord is my shepherd. 82 00:06:08,710 --> 00:06:11,950 I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green 83 00:06:11,950 --> 00:06:14,750 pastures. He leads me besides still 84 00:06:14,750 --> 00:06:17,360 waters. He restores my soul. 85 00:06:17,680 --> 00:06:21,040 He leads me in the path of righteousness for His namesake. 86 00:06:21,680 --> 00:06:24,600 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I 87 00:06:24,600 --> 00:06:27,640 will fear no evil, for you are with me. 88 00:06:27,840 --> 00:06:30,560 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 89 00:06:30,880 --> 00:06:34,680 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 90 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:38,960 You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. 91 00:06:39,160 --> 00:06:43,280 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my 92 00:06:43,280 --> 00:06:49,600 life, and I shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever. 93 00:06:53,360 --> 00:06:59,480 Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your word. 94 00:07:02,080 --> 00:07:06,000 Thank you for your word. As we go through this, Father, 95 00:07:06,000 --> 00:07:10,960 as you give us wisdom. Father, going through this text, 96 00:07:10,960 --> 00:07:17,480 I need you to hold my hand. I need you to to guide me 97 00:07:17,480 --> 00:07:21,200 Father, and I need you to hold me close. 98 00:07:23,520 --> 00:07:25,040 And Father, see those who are listening. 99 00:07:26,640 --> 00:07:28,320 Convict those who need to be convicted. 100 00:07:29,680 --> 00:07:31,880 Encourage those who need to be encouraged. 101 00:07:36,320 --> 00:07:38,560 Reassure those who feel that they are alone. 102 00:07:40,760 --> 00:07:45,960 Father, we need you today like any other day, in Jesus name we 103 00:07:45,960 --> 00:07:58,080 pray, Amen. You may be seated all right man, 104 00:08:00,240 --> 00:08:02,640 a Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd. 105 00:08:02,920 --> 00:08:08,720 I shall not want. That is a powerful statement. 106 00:08:08,720 --> 00:08:11,200 Let's, let's, let's really dive into why that is so. 107 00:08:11,200 --> 00:08:14,600 First, who is the Lord? Who is this Lord? 108 00:08:15,840 --> 00:08:19,880 So Yahweh is the Lord, the creator of everything that is in 109 00:08:19,880 --> 00:08:27,240 existence, the triune God. Psalm 136 tells us that God is 110 00:08:27,240 --> 00:08:31,440 the God of gods, the Lord of Lords, the one who does great 111 00:08:31,440 --> 00:08:35,919 wonders, made the heavens, the earth, the great light by day, 112 00:08:36,200 --> 00:08:40,640 the moon and the stars at night, completely sovereign over the 113 00:08:40,640 --> 00:08:43,919 rise and fall of kings. I want to emphasize that one 114 00:08:43,919 --> 00:08:49,480 more time for for some of my political people, God our Father 115 00:08:49,480 --> 00:08:56,320 is completely sovereign over the rise and fall of kings. 116 00:08:58,160 --> 00:08:59,720 I just felt like I had to say that one more time. 117 00:09:00,400 --> 00:09:04,040 He remembered us in our lowest states, rescued us from our 118 00:09:04,040 --> 00:09:09,280 foes, and tells us in this Psalm constantly. 119 00:09:09,280 --> 00:09:15,000 He says His steadfast love endures forever. 120 00:09:15,680 --> 00:09:23,200 This is actually repeated 26 times, meaning once in all 26 121 00:09:23,440 --> 00:09:28,560 verses. The fact that David, my 122 00:09:28,560 --> 00:09:34,040 apologies, the fact that David is saying that Yahweh, this God 123 00:09:34,040 --> 00:09:38,640 of Gods, Lord of Lords, who is over in the Creator of 124 00:09:38,640 --> 00:09:46,760 everything, is his shepherd is a big deal. 125 00:09:49,840 --> 00:09:56,160 So what is a shepherd according to Google? 126 00:09:56,400 --> 00:10:01,920 Because I'm childish. Google says a shepherd is a 127 00:10:01,920 --> 00:10:08,200 person who tends, herds, feeds and guards flocks of sheep. 128 00:10:09,640 --> 00:10:13,560 This occupation is one of the world's oldest and plays a 129 00:10:13,560 --> 00:10:19,120 significant role in the pastoralist animal husbandry. 130 00:10:19,920 --> 00:10:23,160 In essence, a shepherd is responsible for the care and 131 00:10:23,160 --> 00:10:26,840 manage of sheep, ensuring their safety and well-being. 132 00:10:28,960 --> 00:10:34,080 One thing about sheep, especially in in, you know in a 133 00:10:34,080 --> 00:10:39,680 lot of social media today too, sheep are dumb, right? 134 00:10:39,800 --> 00:10:42,000 That's what everyone, everyone thinks and believes that they're 135 00:10:42,000 --> 00:10:44,480 just honestly complete idiots of animals. 136 00:10:47,320 --> 00:10:49,240 Fun fact, that is a misconception. 137 00:10:50,560 --> 00:10:51,520 Translation. You're wrong. 138 00:10:52,280 --> 00:10:53,640 I just want to say it. Just want to say it. 139 00:10:54,480 --> 00:10:59,120 No no no, sheep aren't actually complete idiots. 140 00:11:00,320 --> 00:11:03,640 Studies have shown that sheep are known to show empathy, 141 00:11:05,160 --> 00:11:10,880 recognized faces, and they know when their name is called. 142 00:11:12,920 --> 00:11:19,400 They also recognize their shepherd's voice, and each 143 00:11:19,440 --> 00:11:23,360 individual sheep has their own distinct personality. 144 00:11:24,080 --> 00:11:27,600 According to sheepraising.net, that's a real website. 145 00:11:29,200 --> 00:11:32,240 The fact that sheep are individual, have individual 146 00:11:32,240 --> 00:11:35,920 personalities mean that each individual can play different 147 00:11:35,920 --> 00:11:41,240 roles in the herd and create a complex social organization. 148 00:11:41,960 --> 00:11:46,400 As mentioned earlier, she experienced a full range of 149 00:11:46,400 --> 00:11:50,600 emotions. The personality an individual 150 00:11:50,800 --> 00:11:57,040 animal has will affect the way it experiences those feelings 151 00:11:57,080 --> 00:11:59,600 and have an impact on the entire flock. 152 00:12:01,440 --> 00:12:07,120 They ain't that stupid. So a Good Shepherd knows their 153 00:12:07,120 --> 00:12:13,280 sheep individually. A Good Shepherd knows how to 154 00:12:13,440 --> 00:12:19,640 lead fitting that specific sheep's personality. 155 00:12:21,640 --> 00:12:23,760 David is not using this comparison for nothing. 156 00:12:25,560 --> 00:12:31,600 He was a shepherd, an amazing shepherd at that, defending his 157 00:12:31,600 --> 00:12:38,240 flocks from lions in wools, solo by himself. 158 00:12:41,280 --> 00:12:45,000 He knows what it takes to be a Good Shepherd. 159 00:12:49,520 --> 00:12:55,920 The Lord is my shepherd. Next part says shall not want. 160 00:12:57,200 --> 00:13:02,160 The CSB version says I have what I need, period. 161 00:13:02,160 --> 00:13:07,400 A Good Shepherd knows what his flock needs and make sure it's 162 00:13:07,400 --> 00:13:11,200 done, as we're about to see in these next verses. 163 00:13:12,720 --> 00:13:17,920 Verse 2, He makes me lie down in green pastures. 164 00:13:18,280 --> 00:13:23,440 He leads me besides the waters. Verse three, He restores my 165 00:13:23,480 --> 00:13:29,160 soul, restores my soul. He leads me in the path of 166 00:13:29,160 --> 00:13:34,480 righteousness for his namesake. So what does that mean for a 167 00:13:34,480 --> 00:13:39,800 shepherd? One source says sheep do not 168 00:13:40,200 --> 00:13:44,880 feed in pens, rather they they forge for their food in an open 169 00:13:44,880 --> 00:13:46,800 field. In the winter months, the 170 00:13:46,800 --> 00:13:51,040 sheep's coat wool protects them from the cold, but they died 171 00:13:51,040 --> 00:13:54,000 from starvation. When the snow covers the grass, 172 00:13:54,520 --> 00:13:59,160 they need help finding food. In the summer months, the 173 00:13:59,160 --> 00:14:02,000 shepherd also leads the sheep by still waters. 174 00:14:03,080 --> 00:14:06,880 Because they're timid, sheep will not drink from rushing 175 00:14:06,880 --> 00:14:10,200 waters. Also, while it's really hot out, 176 00:14:10,440 --> 00:14:13,640 shepherds leaves the flock to shady places where they can lay 177 00:14:13,640 --> 00:14:18,000 down so they don't overheat. In addition, in barren 178 00:14:18,000 --> 00:14:23,400 Palestine, sheep need to be kept near places where they may find 179 00:14:23,400 --> 00:14:26,120 water. The shepherd is responsible for 180 00:14:26,120 --> 00:14:28,280 that. In addition, the step, the 181 00:14:28,280 --> 00:14:34,440 shepherd restores the sheep by providing rest and refreshments. 182 00:14:38,560 --> 00:14:42,320 But how does God? How has he done it in the past? 183 00:14:44,400 --> 00:14:48,960 One of the clearest depictions of God doing this is when Yahweh 184 00:14:48,960 --> 00:14:54,400 LED his people of Israel through the wilderness, providing mana 185 00:14:54,400 --> 00:14:59,520 from heaven, waters from a rock, and literally doing for them as 186 00:14:59,520 --> 00:15:02,040 a shepherd would do for his flock. 187 00:15:04,120 --> 00:15:10,800 Verbatim, Yahweh during this time told them to rest after 188 00:15:10,800 --> 00:15:15,960 eating, lay down, and to not try to gather more food. 189 00:15:16,640 --> 00:15:20,600 Don't try to do more work. Trust that I will provide for 190 00:15:20,600 --> 00:15:22,160 you as your leader, as your shepherd. 191 00:15:24,640 --> 00:15:28,480 And the only time to do it is when we were Sabbath thing for 192 00:15:28,480 --> 00:15:36,480 the next day because during that Sabbath day you are too rest lay 193 00:15:36,480 --> 00:15:39,280 down. Everyone say lay down everyone 194 00:15:39,280 --> 00:15:42,200 say lay down. Are we going to be doing a lot? 195 00:15:42,200 --> 00:15:44,600 We're going to be doing a lot of this repeating. 196 00:15:44,600 --> 00:15:50,600 So y'all better get get used to it because I never want to 197 00:15:50,600 --> 00:15:53,800 repeat after me right now. I like it. 198 00:15:55,120 --> 00:16:04,200 The Lord was Israel's shepherd. The Lord was Israel's shepherd. 199 00:16:05,960 --> 00:16:08,720 Amen. When it comes to the Lord's 200 00:16:09,760 --> 00:16:14,120 restoration, David spoke about it in Psalm 19, seven. 201 00:16:14,560 --> 00:16:20,000 The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewings one's life. 202 00:16:20,600 --> 00:16:24,120 The testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the 203 00:16:24,200 --> 00:16:30,600 inexperience wise. The instructions meaning the 204 00:16:30,600 --> 00:16:37,960 scriptures of the Lord revives you, restores you making the 205 00:16:38,000 --> 00:16:43,440 inexperience wise one translation is the I kind of I 206 00:16:43,440 --> 00:16:49,160 love this one. It says making even the simple 207 00:16:49,840 --> 00:16:58,720 wise one theologian also add God leads his sheep on the path for 208 00:16:58,720 --> 00:17:04,720 his sake of his name. Because when David lives lives 209 00:17:04,960 --> 00:17:08,760 out God's own righteous character, God's reputation is 210 00:17:08,760 --> 00:17:13,079 magnified. God pursues what is right and 211 00:17:13,079 --> 00:17:16,760 good for all people. And David acknowledges that 212 00:17:16,760 --> 00:17:22,720 God's glory is at stake in the way he himself live. 213 00:17:24,119 --> 00:17:28,240 Everyone repeat after me again. The Lord was David's shepherd. 214 00:17:29,960 --> 00:17:35,000 The Lord was David's shepherd. Amen. 215 00:17:36,320 --> 00:17:42,040 Verse 4 Even though I walked through the valley of the shadow 216 00:17:42,040 --> 00:17:47,560 of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. 217 00:17:48,200 --> 00:17:51,880 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 218 00:17:53,160 --> 00:17:56,200 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 219 00:17:57,480 --> 00:18:06,920 You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows, My cup 220 00:18:06,960 --> 00:18:07,920 overflows. Amen. 221 00:18:09,440 --> 00:18:13,640 So how do shepherds do that when leaving sheep? 222 00:18:14,800 --> 00:18:19,960 Sometimes shepherds had to had to venture some ways out from 223 00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:22,640 from home or even if they're making a long journey in 224 00:18:22,640 --> 00:18:28,080 general, meaning that they're either not coming back home 225 00:18:28,440 --> 00:18:33,360 until the sun is setting or if they're actually just moving, 226 00:18:34,880 --> 00:18:40,040 they have to lead their flock through the dark valleys in 227 00:18:40,040 --> 00:18:44,080 caves. This is when David would utilize 228 00:18:44,080 --> 00:18:47,480 his his ride for fighting off predators like lions and wolves. 229 00:18:47,680 --> 00:18:51,760 This is also where he would have to be tactful and savvy and 230 00:18:51,760 --> 00:18:59,360 using his staff to guide his sheep, knowing how to use it on 231 00:18:59,360 --> 00:19:05,240 the timid and skittish part of his flock to not 'cause panic. 232 00:19:06,280 --> 00:19:08,800 You know the sheep that if you that take off running if they 233 00:19:08,800 --> 00:19:17,640 hear a loud noise and how to use his staff for the bold hard 234 00:19:17,640 --> 00:19:21,040 headed sheep in the flock. You know the ones that think 235 00:19:21,040 --> 00:19:25,280 they can ram a tractor and everything in between. 236 00:19:27,120 --> 00:19:33,680 While on these journeys, the sheep would still eat and drink 237 00:19:34,680 --> 00:19:39,600 even when they're surrounded by danger, but felt secure because 238 00:19:39,600 --> 00:19:41,480 they had their shepherd with them. 239 00:19:43,920 --> 00:19:48,080 When it comes to God, we see in verse two and three that God 240 00:19:48,080 --> 00:19:50,400 meets our physical and spiritual needs. 241 00:19:51,600 --> 00:19:56,960 Now we're we're getting into the the peace of his presence of him 242 00:19:56,960 --> 00:20:03,480 just being there. Like in Exodus, we see God 243 00:20:03,480 --> 00:20:08,120 provide all these needs. We also see him provide. 244 00:20:08,680 --> 00:20:12,760 These needs while the the Israelites were were surrounded 245 00:20:13,120 --> 00:20:16,000 by the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perezites, the Hibites, the 246 00:20:16,000 --> 00:20:22,520 Gemsites and the Amalekites. His rod gave them victory over 247 00:20:22,520 --> 00:20:26,840 their enemies, and His staff guided them to the Promised 248 00:20:26,840 --> 00:20:31,160 Land. Everyone repeat after me again. 249 00:20:31,440 --> 00:20:38,960 The Lord was Israel's shepherd. Amen. 250 00:20:38,960 --> 00:20:41,880 Amen. Peter Stevenson says. 251 00:20:44,040 --> 00:20:48,520 David tells the Lord, Thou anointest my head with oil. 252 00:20:50,800 --> 00:20:55,720 The verb never refers to an anointing for an office. 253 00:20:57,800 --> 00:21:02,760 David thinks of this blessing, that God has given him all the 254 00:21:02,760 --> 00:21:07,680 blessings. He thinks of this goodness. 255 00:21:09,160 --> 00:21:16,960 He concludes, My cup runneth over, a metaphoric picture of 256 00:21:16,960 --> 00:21:20,880 the abundant blessings the Lord has given. 257 00:21:22,880 --> 00:21:26,720 Repeat again. The Lord was David's shepherd. 258 00:21:30,800 --> 00:21:37,360 Verse 6. Surely goodness and mercy shall 259 00:21:37,360 --> 00:21:43,440 follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the 260 00:21:43,440 --> 00:21:51,080 House of the Lord forever. Earlier we learned that sheep 261 00:21:51,080 --> 00:21:55,520 can can learn they're not as dumb as as some of us initially 262 00:21:55,520 --> 00:22:00,320 thought. With that being said, a sheep 263 00:22:01,080 --> 00:22:07,440 having a shepherd feed them, a sheep having a shepherd helping 264 00:22:07,440 --> 00:22:12,880 them to rest and relax, a sheep having a shepherd helping 265 00:22:13,320 --> 00:22:16,640 helping them and protecting them and guiding them in the way that 266 00:22:16,640 --> 00:22:24,720 fits them best would know that everything will always go the 267 00:22:24,720 --> 00:22:28,840 way they needed to go because they have a Good Shepherd. 268 00:22:31,440 --> 00:22:40,160 Same with David as the perfect, almighty, all powerful Yahweh as 269 00:22:40,960 --> 00:22:45,080 His Shepherd. Surely goodness and mercy will 270 00:22:45,080 --> 00:22:51,440 continue in my life and when my life ends, when David's life 271 00:22:51,600 --> 00:23:00,280 ends, he will get to dwell with Yahweh in His house forever. 272 00:23:01,720 --> 00:23:06,080 Repeat again, the Lord was David's shepherd. 273 00:23:08,800 --> 00:23:12,920 Cool. Now we did the the educational 274 00:23:12,920 --> 00:23:15,640 part, right. I follow the game plan. 275 00:23:15,640 --> 00:23:18,360 I promise now, now I'm about to be a real substitute teacher. 276 00:23:18,840 --> 00:23:24,200 So now that we contextualize the text, now we understand what a 277 00:23:24,200 --> 00:23:27,760 shepherd is, what a shepherd does, what a Good Shepherd is, 278 00:23:27,920 --> 00:23:31,480 how did God do it in the past, how he continues to do it, who 279 00:23:31,480 --> 00:23:36,200 God is. Now. 280 00:23:38,280 --> 00:23:46,520 Let's make it personal with the same assurance that David had. 281 00:23:48,200 --> 00:23:52,280 Let's let's go over this again. The Lord is my shepherd. 282 00:23:52,600 --> 00:23:56,480 Repeat after me. The Lord is my shepherd. 283 00:23:57,600 --> 00:23:59,320 I don't think I understand because we just talked about who 284 00:23:59,320 --> 00:24:03,520 God was, who the Lord was the creator of everything, the God 285 00:24:03,520 --> 00:24:07,640 of Gods, Lord of Lords. That Lord is your shepherd. 286 00:24:07,760 --> 00:24:09,840 I need you to say it like you mean it. 287 00:24:09,960 --> 00:24:16,200 The Lord is my shepherd. Hey man. 288 00:24:18,440 --> 00:24:28,440 And he knows my unique needs when I am stubborn in verse 2, 289 00:24:30,280 --> 00:24:32,320 he knows how to make me lie down. 290 00:24:34,520 --> 00:24:37,400 I think of my my one year old at times. 291 00:24:37,400 --> 00:24:41,200 He's so exhausted he, he can't function. 292 00:24:41,200 --> 00:24:45,000 But he can't he, he, he can't lay down because he won't stop 293 00:24:45,000 --> 00:24:46,400 moving. He doesn't know what to do. 294 00:24:46,400 --> 00:24:50,720 He's overwhelmed. So I have to, I have to grab him 295 00:24:50,720 --> 00:24:53,640 and hold him tight so he can just stop moving till he 296 00:24:53,640 --> 00:24:56,760 realizes like, oh, this is all I need to do to rest. 297 00:24:56,960 --> 00:25:06,040 I'm saying, son, just lay down and then he goes to sleep. 298 00:25:08,120 --> 00:25:10,720 There are times in there, there there are moments and there 299 00:25:10,720 --> 00:25:13,760 might be other people like you that's like me right now where 300 00:25:13,760 --> 00:25:26,840 you, you just feel weary and beat up, broke down, stressed, 301 00:25:27,680 --> 00:25:35,400 overwhelmed and you're like God. I just, I just need you to 302 00:25:35,400 --> 00:25:39,280 comfort me. And I promise you, sometimes God 303 00:25:39,280 --> 00:25:53,480 is just saying, son, just lay down and let me guide you. 304 00:25:53,480 --> 00:25:58,400 Repeat after me. The Lord, He's my shepherd. 305 00:26:02,280 --> 00:26:09,000 This Lord, the Lord my shepherd, sent me the Holy Spirit to 306 00:26:09,000 --> 00:26:16,720 resurrect my soul, to guide me on the path of righteousness. 307 00:26:17,800 --> 00:26:24,840 The Lord is my shepherd. When I go through trials and I 308 00:26:24,840 --> 00:26:28,040 and I feel as though I'm surrounded by darkness, I know 309 00:26:28,040 --> 00:26:34,200 the Lord my shepherd is with me, protecting me with this rod and 310 00:26:34,200 --> 00:26:36,040 he is guiding me with this staff. 311 00:26:36,280 --> 00:26:39,680 Repeat again. The Lord is my shepherd. 312 00:26:42,280 --> 00:26:47,080 The Lord prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies. 313 00:26:49,240 --> 00:26:52,200 It gives me blessings that overflow my cup. 314 00:26:53,320 --> 00:27:00,000 The Lord is my shepherd. I know goodness and mercy will 315 00:27:00,000 --> 00:27:07,720 follow me and that my eternal resting place will be in heaven. 316 00:27:09,040 --> 00:27:15,840 The Lord is my shepherd. Amen. 317 00:27:15,880 --> 00:27:20,160 Amen. Why do I know this? 318 00:27:29,080 --> 00:27:35,760 Because God, who is the Good Shepherd that led his people out 319 00:27:35,760 --> 00:27:41,880 of Egypt, freed them from slavery and Exodus, let them 320 00:27:41,880 --> 00:27:47,560 through the wilderness. Also let David, yes, David, the 321 00:27:47,560 --> 00:27:52,000 shepherd, the amazing shepherd. I told you he also needed a 322 00:27:52,000 --> 00:27:57,640 shepherd. God then put on flesh and Jesus 323 00:27:57,640 --> 00:28:04,200 the Good Shepherd. The good Good Shepherd broke the 324 00:28:04,200 --> 00:28:08,600 bondage of sin and death. He did this by living perfect 325 00:28:09,520 --> 00:28:14,360 without sin. Only accomplish this because he 326 00:28:14,360 --> 00:28:20,080 was fully God, is fully God and taking on the burdens of the 327 00:28:20,080 --> 00:28:24,520 world, being tempted, tortured, beaten, humiliated, and 328 00:28:24,520 --> 00:28:29,720 eventually murdered. This was only able to happen 329 00:28:29,720 --> 00:28:33,800 because he was fully man and he fully put on human flesh. 330 00:28:35,440 --> 00:28:42,080 But because he is God rose from the dead and ascended into 331 00:28:42,080 --> 00:28:47,120 heaven, and again the the bondage of sin and death are 332 00:28:47,120 --> 00:28:53,440 gone, and even bigger exodus. And when he returns, taking us 333 00:28:54,080 --> 00:28:58,480 to an even better promised land, a new heaven, a new earth. 334 00:28:59,440 --> 00:29:05,840 And because of this, because Jesus fulfilled the law, we have 335 00:29:05,840 --> 00:29:08,760 an even greater assurance than David. 336 00:29:09,880 --> 00:29:12,680 We get to call him something far, far greater. 337 00:29:13,240 --> 00:29:16,680 We get to call him something more personal than just 338 00:29:16,840 --> 00:29:22,240 shepherd. We can call him Father. 339 00:29:23,360 --> 00:29:27,040 Amen. Repeat after me. 340 00:29:27,040 --> 00:29:38,940 The Lord is my Father. Because of Jesus, we have a 341 00:29:38,940 --> 00:29:44,340 closer relationship than just a shepherd and his flock. 342 00:29:45,780 --> 00:29:48,860 This could all be summed up like this in our big idea. 343 00:29:51,520 --> 00:29:56,120 Because the Lord is my shepherd, I can rest in his provisions, 344 00:29:56,920 --> 00:30:04,280 His protection, and His promise. As sons and daughters. 345 00:30:07,080 --> 00:30:12,760 Because the Lord is my Shepherd, we can rest in His provisions, 346 00:30:13,640 --> 00:30:20,720 His protections, His promises as His sons and daughters. 347 00:30:22,640 --> 00:30:30,440 What does this look like to live this out right? 348 00:30:31,720 --> 00:30:33,120 How? How do we apply this? 349 00:30:36,800 --> 00:30:43,920 If we are His sheep and He is our Shepherd, then we must be 350 00:30:43,920 --> 00:30:53,160 able to discern His voice. To do so, we must know what His 351 00:30:53,160 --> 00:30:58,640 voice sounds like. We must know His words. 352 00:31:00,480 --> 00:31:05,480 To know His words, we must read our Bibles. 353 00:31:08,280 --> 00:31:13,360 We must read our Bibles. I know it sounds elementary, it 354 00:31:13,360 --> 00:31:16,800 sounds basic. I, I, I think I told some people 355 00:31:16,800 --> 00:31:18,600 earlier this, this message is simple. 356 00:31:18,600 --> 00:31:23,360 It's, it's nothing complicated. It's no loose, it's no beautiful 357 00:31:23,360 --> 00:31:27,440 poetic sermon. It is what it is for us to know 358 00:31:27,720 --> 00:31:30,720 our shepherd's voice who is leading us. 359 00:31:30,840 --> 00:31:41,080 We got to know His words, which means we must read His words #2 360 00:31:43,200 --> 00:31:50,040 if we are His sheep and He is our Shepherd, then when we hear 361 00:31:50,040 --> 00:31:56,600 His voice or the nudging of the Holy Spirit, not if when we hear 362 00:31:56,600 --> 00:32:02,520 His voice, when we feel the nudging of the Holy Spirit, we 363 00:32:02,520 --> 00:32:07,560 must submit. We must submit. 364 00:32:11,760 --> 00:32:21,960 Lastly, if we are His sheep and He is our shepherd, we must be 365 00:32:22,000 --> 00:32:28,160 active members of His flock. Everyone has a role in the 366 00:32:28,160 --> 00:32:35,160 flock, meaning we must serve and use the gifts He has given us 367 00:32:35,160 --> 00:32:42,360 for His Kingdom and His glory. So served in our church. 368 00:32:45,320 --> 00:32:48,760 This is not a consumer based faith or consumer based 369 00:32:48,760 --> 00:32:51,480 lifestyle or a consumer based building. 370 00:32:53,120 --> 00:32:59,240 Serve His church. We talk often about fighting for 371 00:32:59,240 --> 00:33:06,120 joy for the city of Des Moines. Again, that's not passivity, 372 00:33:06,680 --> 00:33:09,320 that's not sit and just watch miracles happen. 373 00:33:10,360 --> 00:33:16,320 We are part of His flock. Serve your community, serve your 374 00:33:16,320 --> 00:33:22,880 neighbors. How much easier would it be able 375 00:33:23,240 --> 00:33:29,200 to to do these things, discern these things, understand God's 376 00:33:29,200 --> 00:33:37,600 will for your life if you constantly stay in His Word and 377 00:33:37,920 --> 00:33:40,440 and not just listening to worship songs. 378 00:33:41,040 --> 00:33:44,280 Those are that that's good, but it's not his word. 379 00:33:45,960 --> 00:33:53,960 Not following your favorite pastor on Instagram that that's 380 00:33:53,960 --> 00:34:02,080 not, that's not always just his word, not just a podcast, his 381 00:34:02,480 --> 00:34:09,199 word. Some of you are still new to the 382 00:34:09,199 --> 00:34:14,639 faith, maybe new to church. Again, this this may be your 383 00:34:14,639 --> 00:34:19,960 first day and don't even know of what his flock looks like, even 384 00:34:19,960 --> 00:34:26,440 if you're a part of it. Well, we have a Good Shepherd 385 00:34:28,000 --> 00:34:29,719 that will leave the 99 for the one. 386 00:34:32,560 --> 00:34:41,199 And he knows you by name. He knew you when you were in 387 00:34:41,199 --> 00:34:45,159 your mother's womb and he loves you. 388 00:34:47,000 --> 00:34:52,920 He loves you. After we're done here, there, 389 00:34:53,080 --> 00:34:57,760 there are going to be people here and leaders here that would 390 00:34:57,760 --> 00:35:01,320 love to talk to you about that. If you have any questions, we'd 391 00:35:01,320 --> 00:35:05,120 love to pray with you about that and we'd love to walk with you 392 00:35:06,120 --> 00:35:09,840 in that. I know I've been going for a 393 00:35:09,840 --> 00:35:11,320 little bit. I thank you all for your 394 00:35:11,320 --> 00:35:14,080 patience. I want to, I want to leave you 395 00:35:14,080 --> 00:35:20,160 all with this. Because of Jesus again, we can, 396 00:35:20,560 --> 00:35:24,120 we can call God more than just a shepherd. 397 00:35:26,200 --> 00:35:33,520 We can call him Father. We can call him Father. 398 00:35:34,760 --> 00:35:41,000 Repeat again. The Lord is my father, and he's 399 00:35:41,000 --> 00:35:46,240 a good, good father. Some of you have great earthly 400 00:35:46,240 --> 00:35:49,760 fathers. That's awesome. 401 00:35:49,960 --> 00:35:55,720 Shout out to you. Yahweh is infinitely better. 402 00:35:57,280 --> 00:36:04,640 Some of you have bad fathers who have done unspeakable things. 403 00:36:07,240 --> 00:36:11,520 Yahweh can restore you and show you the love that you were 404 00:36:11,520 --> 00:36:14,800 created to receive by the true Father. 405 00:36:16,840 --> 00:36:20,440 And some of you have absent fathers. 406 00:36:22,720 --> 00:36:27,400 Yahweh will never leave nor forsake you repeat after me. 407 00:36:27,400 --> 00:36:36,960 The Lord is my father. So let's let's look at this 408 00:36:36,960 --> 00:36:43,320 again in in that lens. The Lord is my father. 409 00:36:45,760 --> 00:36:50,400 He knows what I need. He take care of me physically, 410 00:36:50,960 --> 00:36:53,920 mentally and spiritually restores me. 411 00:36:57,040 --> 00:37:01,120 He shows me how to live righteously to make Him proud 412 00:37:01,640 --> 00:37:06,440 and glorify Him. He is with me, always protecting 413 00:37:06,440 --> 00:37:12,480 me and comforting me and guiding me even in the presence of my 414 00:37:12,480 --> 00:37:18,240 enemies. He provides my every need and 415 00:37:18,240 --> 00:37:21,920 blesses me. I know goodness and mercy will 416 00:37:21,920 --> 00:37:27,840 follow me because of my Father, and I know I'll be with him 417 00:37:27,840 --> 00:37:34,840 forever when I go home. The Lord is my father. 418 00:37:36,920 --> 00:37:43,960 Let's pray there of the Father. Thank you for your word. 419 00:37:45,680 --> 00:37:50,240 Thank you for your son. Thank you for the sacrifice you 420 00:37:50,240 --> 00:37:54,720 made so we can call you Father. Thank you for your patience. 421 00:37:55,600 --> 00:37:59,920 Thank you for your grace. Thank you for your mercy because 422 00:37:59,920 --> 00:38:04,080 I know just me alone. Father, I am a stubborn sheep. 423 00:38:05,400 --> 00:38:08,840 Thank you for forcibly closing doors so I have to follow you 424 00:38:08,840 --> 00:38:12,600 away. Thank you for picking me up when 425 00:38:12,600 --> 00:38:15,600 I'm exhausted and carrying me to where I need to go. 426 00:38:17,160 --> 00:38:21,600 I love you. And as we go on from today, as 427 00:38:21,600 --> 00:38:27,560 we go on into the week, help us live a life that shows we love 428 00:38:27,560 --> 00:38:31,440 you. Help guide our wants and our 429 00:38:31,440 --> 00:38:35,240 desires to echo you, the Father, the Shepherd. 430 00:38:36,440 --> 00:38:41,680 Help us stay in your word. Father, help us be active 431 00:38:41,680 --> 00:38:46,320 members of your flock. And Father, help us know when it 432 00:38:46,320 --> 00:38:49,520 is you talking to us, when it is you guiding us. 433 00:38:50,960 --> 00:38:54,560 Give us comfort in the midst of this crazy world that we lived 434 00:38:54,560 --> 00:39:01,360 in this darkness we see all around us and help us rest in 435 00:39:01,360 --> 00:39:04,520 your sovereignty. In Jesus name we pray. 436 00:39:05,440 --> 00:39:05,680 Amen.