Preacher’s Pulpit by Dr. Joe Tims
Jehovah my Shepherd
Psalm 23, In our study of this familiar Psalm, we will find a number of encouragements given to us by the Holy Spirit as David penned these words so long ago. They are just as fresh and just as encouraging to us today.
Psalm 23:6
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
INTRODUCTION
We have looked at each of the verses and have seen that David has described for us the Lord as the Shepherd who protects and provides. The One who provides us with rest, refreshment, and restoration. He is the One who restores us and comforts us when we face the uncertainties of life. He provides for us in the midst of trials and difficulties, He enables us to serve Him, and He supplies abundantly more than we need.
I. Goodness: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”
A. Goodness and mercy are attributes of God.
1. Goodness meets our needs / Mercy forgives our faults
2. Goodness cares for the temporal / Mercy cares for the spiritual
3. Goodness bounty of God / Mercy love of God
4. Goodness leads to repentance / Mercy leads to regeneration.
5. Goodness convicts us of sin / Mercy offers regeneration.
6. Goodness caused the prodigal to come back home / Mercy ran to meet the son.
7. Goodness is God’s hand / Mercy is God’s heart.
B. Surely = without a doubt.
1. It is an exclamation of confidence.
2. Not self confidence, but Christ confidence.
C. “All the days.”
1. Spring days and summer days.
2. Autumn days and winter days.
3. Sundays and fun days.
4. Week days and weak days.
5. Sunshine days and shadow days.
6. Peaceful and trying days.
7. Restful and rushing days.
II. Eternity ” . . . And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
A. “Dwell” means to abide, remain, settle, continue.
1. “Here we have no abiding place.”
(1 Tim 6:7) “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry no thing out.”
2. When we come to the end of all the days of our lives, then what?
3. For the believer it is the “House of the Lord forever.”
B. “House.” = dwelling place.
1. This is a house, not a tent.
2. This is a home, not a hotel.
3. A home for the people of God; a home in the presence of God.
(John 14:1-4) “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.”
C. “Forever”. For all eternity.
1. Eternal life has no ending.
2. Once we have it, we cannot lose it…if we could, then we must have never had it!
CONCLUSION:
Psalm 23 we have seen:
The Lord is my Shepherd
He gives me:
Rest
Refreshment
Restoration
Redirection
There is a place, a peace and a presence for the believer
Analogy of:
Warrior
Priest
Guest
Unlimited Goodness and Mercy