Sermon Notes, November 20, 2011
Pastor C.M. Pruitt
The message was titled "The Lord is My Shepherd," and the scripture was Psalm 23. We live in a time when many are discontent. But Paul tells us in Philippians 4:11-12 that we are to be content in any and every situation. God doesn't want His children to be spoiled brats. We need to have an attitude of gratitude.
In this life the Good Shepherd gives us ALL we NEED. We need to quit looking to get our needs met in all the wrong places. Isaiah 53:6 tells us that "We all, like sheep, have gone astray." Being compared to sheep is not a compliment: they are some of the dumbest animals on earth, straying into dangerous areas, eating grass down to the root, fearful of moving water. Without a shepherd to move them to new pastures, guide them through the rocky places, and lead them to calm waters, they will die. Jesus saw us as being "like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36). The sheep need a shepherd who MAKES them lie down. They have to be well-fed, they must be unafraid, they must be content, and there must be harmony in the flock. The same is true of the church; we need a spirit of unity, grace and harmony.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that God is faithful, and will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. The Good Shepherd KNOWS our weakness, and protects us. (Psalm 32:6-7) Lost sheep can't find their way back, but Psalm 23:3 assures us that "He restores my soul." "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and life for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed," Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:2 Our name is on the cross. He changes us from one kind of person to another kind of person. 1 Peter 2:25 says we were going astray, but have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.
The Good Shepherd clears the way before us, even through the rocky places. (Psalm 23:3) In the face of death, the Good Shepherd protects us from evil. (Psalm 23:4) We fear the shadow of death: the loss of a job, marriage or loved one, the death of a dream or career. Fear can control your whole being. (Hebrews 2:15) We need not fear, for He is with us. Psalm 23:4-5 assures us that God's protection and guidance offer us peace and protection while we're alive, and the promise of heaven when we die.
At the judgment, the Good Shepherd promises eternal life. Jesus paid the price: we don't have to. Jesus has mercy on us. He's loving and forgiving. He wants our love, he wants all of us. Get to know Him. Let gratitude reach out. Embrace Him. Praise Him.
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