• BIBLE STUDY OF PSALM 23:4-6  KJV

READ PSALM 23:4  KJV

  This verse in Psalm 23 meant so much to me when I was going through chemo. It took me a while to realize I was not in the valley of death but in the valley of the shadow of death. The path I am on is the path my shepherd choose for me. It may lead to my death, but it may lead to life, it is my shepherd’s choice. It is the right path. What do I have to fear?

For where there is a shadow, there must be light. I realized that death is standing on the side of the path my shepherd choose for me. The light of my shepherd shines on death causing a shadow across my path. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, a shadow cannot stop me, the shadow of a dog cannot bite me, the shadow of a gun cannot kill me, and the shadow of death has no power over me. I will fear no evil! There are shadows of evil all around us. With our eyes on JESUS our LORD and Savior, he will keep us from evil or be with us through it. “For thou art with me!” WHAT DO I HAVE TO FEAR?

The last part of this verse is “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”. The shepherd’s “rod”, is a tool he uses every day. It is used for counting his sheep, guiding his sheep, and protection. The staff (like we think of, it has a hook on the end”). It is used much in the same way as the rod. For guidance and protection, what makes it different is the hook, it can be used to rescue a sheep, to hook him and pull him to safety, but also to pull predators from attacking the sheep. The shepherd has many tools to guide and protect his flock, just as JESUS has infinite power to guide and protect us.

I want to end our study of this verse with additional scriptures about shadows, light, and paths. The first verse is from John 1:1-5-9 KJV;

” In HIM was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

The second verse, Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV,   is my life verse, I have memorized it so I would have it always with me

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy paths.” (PLURAL)

It is amazing in this verse paths are plural. This reaffirms our study of different paths.  We are all on different paths, every one of us is different, but we are all the same. JESUS has paths for each of us if we make Him our LORD and Savior. He then becomes our Shepherd and will lead us in the paths of righteousness.

READ PSALM 23:5

  This verse reminds us that GOD will provide for our needs even in the presence of our enemies. Notice first, it is GOD who prepares the table. God is showing himself as the one who is personally concerned and involved with providing for our needs. I find it humbling to realize that the creator of heaven and earth, takes time to personally care for me, my every need. Like I am the only person on earth. HE is MY SHEPHERD! This table is a complete meal, nothing is lacking, and it’s perfect, look WHO prepared it. Remember GOD knows what we need before we do, those needs are there on the table prepared by the GOOD SHEPHERD. The table represents nourishment both physical and spiritual. “In the presence of my enemies”. Satan, his demons, and evil shadows are all around us. But we can sit down at the table with JESUS in peace and safety, HE is our GOOD SHEPERD. I want you to read the account of the feeding of the five thousand in Mark. Pay close attention to how Jesus describes the people, where he has them sit, and who prepares the meal. I think you will see this in a different light, JESUS is following the pattern in Psalm 23.

READ MARK 6:31-44

      Who lead them to a deserted place and why? JESUS.Verse 31, there were many coming and going and no place to rest, they needed a place of security. Remember Palms 23:1-4. How did JESUS view the people? Verse 34, “they as sheep not having a shepherd”.  Who planned and prepared the meal? JESUS, JESUS planned this meal long before the disciples and the crowd knew they were hungry and had nothing to eat. Remember “Thou preparest a table before me”. Where did JESUS have them sit? Verse 39, “HE commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the GREEN GRASS”. Who served the meal? Jesus, verse 41 “He looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them—and two fishes divided HE among them all”. The feeding of the 5 thousand was a Devine appointment, the GOOD SHEPHERD leading his sheep, giving them rest and security, feeding them both physically and spiritually, and blessing them to the point “my cup runneth over”.

The last part of verse 5 says: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. In Old Testament times it was customary to anoint the honored guest. We are the honored guest at the table prepared by our good shepherd. We are so blessed that the blessing overflows our cup.

                    READ PALMS 23:6

  Annie Johnson Flint (a Christian poet who lived in the mid-1800) wrote;

HIS love has no limit,

HIS grace has no measure,

HIS power has no boundary known unto men:

For out of HIS infinite riches

HE giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

   Our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS Christ is the key to eternal joy and happiness. If you know HIM as your SHEPHERD you will spend eternity in heaven with him.

I want to close this study with one last look at another meal in the New Testament. The communion. I believe it is the most sacred part of worship, given to us by JESUS, to draw us near to HIM and remember what HE did for us.

 READ LUKE 22:8-22

  Who sent Peter and John?   JESUS

Who had prepared the way and the last supper (Passover)?

JESUS,  His disciples questioned JESUS, “Where wilt thou that we prepare?”

Everything was prepared, Just as JESUS had said. We know this as the last supper. But to the Jews, it was Passover, the time when the Israelites put blood over the door post, so death would PASSOVER, sparring the firstborn. During this time there was 4 feast going on at the same time. Sabbath, Unleavened bread, Passover, and the feast of the First Fruits. There are 7 Holy feasts celebrated by Jews found in Leviticus 23. All these feasts point to JESUS, birth, death, and resurrection.

Who sat at the last supper?

Jesus and the twelve disciples. The Passover meal is very involved in ritual and symbolism, it usually takes about 2 hr. to complete. At the last supper, JESUS add something to this meal, COMMUNION. JESUS institutes the HOLY COMMUNION.

        REREAD LUKES 22: 18-19

1. The Passover meal is conducted by a Rabbi, who serves each portion of the meal. This includes 4 glasses of wine served during the meal.
2. JESUS serves the bread and wine at the last supper communion.

REREAD LUKE 22:19

   During the feeding of the 5 thousand JESUS broke the bread and gave thanks, here HE does the same. The disciples had no idea what JESUS meant when he said “This is my body”, but we today know fully what JESUS meant. In a few hours, HIS body would be broken for us.

        REREAD LUKE 22:20

 Verse 20 starts with the word “likewise” meaning during the same time. Then it says after supper meaning after the Passover meal. JESUS then added the HOLY COMMUNION. Serving the bread and wine in addition to the Passover meal. JESUS is telling the disciples and us that the New Covenant is sealed with HIS Blood. All covenants in the bible are sealed with blood. The O/T with the blood of animals, The N/T with the Blood of JESUS the CHRIST.  As JESUS hung on the cross as the sacrificial lamb for our sins. They paraded past ridiculing and mocking HIM. I can’t imagine how bad the physical pain was.  I have no words to express my thoughts on how much spiritual and emotional pain and grief Jesus felt then and now today, as they paraded past ridiculing and mocking and rejecting HIM. HIM knowing this was done for you.  This brings me back to the poem by Annie Johnson Flint;

HIS love has no limit,

HIS grace has no measure,

HIS power has no boundary known to men:

For out of HIS infinite riches in JESUS

HE giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

HE maketh me to lie down in green pastures: HE leadeth me beside the still waters.

HE restoreth my soul: HE leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

                                                                                                                           AMEN       AMEN

A BIBLE STUDY OF  THE 23rd PSALM

The 23rd Psalm. It is a very familiar passage, we generally hear it at funerals. Most of us can quote the first few verses by memory, some can quote the entire chapter. Let’s look into what it actually means. We will begin our study as I read the first verse

Palsm 23:1                   The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. KJV

What is a shepherd?   A Leader.  Shepherd is a widely used metaphor for a king in ancient times. (He a leader, provides for their needs) One who tends sheep? Shepherds provided for every need of their flock, food, water, protection, and direction. This metaphor is used throughout the bible, JESUS as our shepherd and we as sheep. As a side note, JESUS was our sacrificial Lamb for our sins, He had to be perfect in every way, without sin or blemish. He laid down HIS life for us. As perfect as JESUS is, HIS flock (which is us) is full of blemished sheep, we are all blemished. In the first half of this verse, David declares the LORD as his shepherd. David is giving complete control of his life and kingship to GOD. He is allowing GOD to lead him in every aspect of his life. David knows without GOD as his shepherd, he is defenseless and helpless as a lamb. The wolves of this world will devour him. I don’t know what you know about sheep. I have a little experience with them and it was not pleasant. My son, as a project for 4-H, wanted to raise sheep. We bought a ewe (female sheep) she was pregnant and had 2 lambs. I was amazed at how much care it took to keep sheep. You had to watch them all the time. They are helpless and defenseless and dumb. They need a shepherd constantly! What my shepherd means to me is: JESUS came into this world as a baby, helpless and defenseless as a lamb. GOD gave HIM parents (shepherds) to raise and protect HIM. As an adult, HE went out into the world as a perfect lamb. Satan and wolves of this world sought to destroy HIM, as wolves go after defenseless lambs. JESUS’ sole purpose for coming was to do the will of the FATHER at the cross at Calvary. To be our perfect sacrificial Lamb for our sins. HE gave HIS life, shed his blood, and died on the cross. He was dead and buried. Satan thought he had defeated HIM. JESUS was three days in the grave, he defeated death and arose on the third day. To become our good shepherd! Remember, the LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23 is not for everyone, but only for those who believe, have repented of their sins, and accepted JESUS as their savior. Then and only then can you say, The LORD is MY shepherd!!!

READ:  JOHN 10:4, 11, 14, 15  KJV

A good shepherd provides for every need of his sheep and his sheep depend on him for every need. They know his voice.

READ MATTHEW 6:25-34   KJV

We all need to take these promises from JESUS and memorize them. It will keep you from worrying. JESUS has never broken a promise. What comfort this is to know our needs will always be provided by JESUS. Matthew 6: 26-34 gives us this guarantee. This does not guarantee your wants, only your needs. Be careful not to read more into this than what is said. Our needs, not our wants!

READ MATTHEW 6:34 KJV

The NKJV, I think, says this very clearly; therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.   When you worry about tomorrow today, you bring tomorrow’s trouble to today. Plus, we get them a day ahead of time! When you lay down to sleep and you start worrying about tomorrow, then we have tomorrow’s problems today. Give your worries to GOD and go to sleep. He promised to supply your needs!  Don’t worry about tomorrow today!

READ PSALM 23:2 KJV

When I read about the green pastures. I think about a valley between two hills covered by a carpet of dark green grass about 6 inches tall, with a small creek running through it. The sun is shining bright, it is around 70 to 75 degrees. WOW! I wish I was there. How beautiful it is. Sheep need a shepherd to lead them, without HIM they are lost, they don’t know where to go, and they wander aimlessly. The shepherd knows his sheep’s needs and leads them to new pastures. Sheep when they graze eat the grass down to the dirt, if allowed to stay there they will eat till they kill out the grass, and the pasture will be destroyed. The good shepherd knows when to move on and where to go next. The good shepherd knows the needs of his flock before they do. The sheep know HIS voice and they follow HIM where ever HE leads.  The last part of this verse says: He leadeth me beside still water. Sheep will not drink from running water. They are afraid of it. They will run from it. They don’t know where to run, they will run off a cliff trying to escape the very thing they are afraid of, if one goes so shall all go. They will only drink from still water. Earlier, when I described the creek running through the valley, sheep would not drink from it. It would have ripples and be turbulent.  The good shepherd knew this, He would find a pool of still water for his sheep to drink from. There in the lush green pasture next to the still water the sheep would rest and be content.

So what have we learned?

We all need a shepherd! We have two choices, “the good shepherd JESUS Christ”. Or “the bad shepherd Satan”. The choice is ours to make! To be able to call JESUS “MY SHEPHERD” You must repent of your sins and accept JESUS as your LORD and savior. Making JESUS, “the LORD of your life”. Then and only then does PSALM 23 apply to you. As a member of JESUS flock HE will supply all your needs. Remember the verse in Matthew 6: 25 and verse 33: Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not life more than meat, and the body than raiment? —- But seek ye first the kingdom of GOD, and HIS righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. When you make JESUS the LORD of your life HE will give you both spiritual and physical rest and contentment.

READ PSALM 23:3 KJV

“He restores my soul”. How does HE restore my soul? He restores our souls through fellowship with HIM. (Prayer, reading the bible, worship, spending time with HIM). Why do we need restoration? Most likely, we have never made a conscious decision to turn our back on GOD. It happens slowly and a little bit at a time. So slowly, we may not realize it is happening. Satan is a master of deceit. You wake up in the morning you have a busy day ahead, and you think how will I ever get it all done, GOD I will pray later, I will read my bible later, HE will understand, HE is loving GOD, and so it goes! All this is innocent enough and happens all the time, life gets in the way, but it can and will be used by Satan to lead us astray. It happens to all of us. The next morning we wake up, tired from the busy day before. I will rest today after such a busy day, I deserve a break, and I will catch up with GOD tomorrow. So the wandering starts, it gets easier and easier, and we stray farther and farther away. Notice I, I need, I deserve, I will catch up, I-I-I! What is in the middle of sin?         S      ( I  )         N.      GOD is our GOOD SHEPHERD even though we wander off. Remember “The LORD is my Shepherd. Why do we need a shepherd? We are sheep and we go astray. Though we wander away, GOD lovingly receives us back into the flock, HE forgives us and restores our souls, back into fellowship with HIM. Luke 15 gives us an example of this, the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son.

READ LUKE 15: 1-32 KJV

A shepherd has a hundred sheep and loses one. The woman has ten coins and loses one. The prodigal son takes his inheritance and blows it. The son that stayed at home is upset with his father for restoring his brother.

The good shepherd leaves his flock to search for the one gone astray, JESUS as the good shepherd,  restores us spiritually, physically, and emotionally, HE provides for our needs. GOD is more than a pardoning shepherd, HE is also a providing shepherd. He knows what we need before we know or even ask! He knows what we need physically, emotionally, and spiritually right now and in the future. He is already at work providing the things you need, even though you have not even thought of them yet.

The last half of this verse says; “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for HIS name’s sake. Notice that the word “paths” is plural, meaning there is more than one path of righteousness. Don’t confuse this with the way to JESUS, HE is the only way. I am talking about the paths our life is on. So, how do we know what path is the right path? Verse one says “The LORD is my Shepherd”. What do shepherds do? They lead and guide. The Bible, our instruction manual is very clear,

READ LUKE 11:10 KJV

“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened”.

READ MATTHEW 6:33

“But seek first the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”.

In the world there are many paths, leading to who knows where. Paths run together to form a main path. Paths are joining the main path, paths are branching off. How do we know which is the right path? When we are lost, we seek direction from someone. Do you realize we usually seek direction from a stranger, we don’t know anything about them, who they are, do they know the direction we seek?

 WHO DO WE ASK WHEN LOST OR NEED DIRECTION?

  Seek the good shepherd first. Start with GOD and end with GOD, no matter how simple or complicated the problem is, GOD is waiting for you to ask. He will never let you down, HE will guide us step by step. Make HIM, my LORD, and SHEPHERD.

GOD remains our GOOD SHEPHERD even though we wander off. Remember “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD” Why do I need a shepherd? We are sheep and go astray. Though we wander away, GOD lovingly receives us back onto the fold, He forgives us and “RESTORES OUR SOUL”, back into fellowship with him

I CLOSE WITH THIS PRAYER FOUND IN HEBREWS 13:20-21:

“Now the GOD of peace, that brought again from the dead our LORD JESUS, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do HIS will, working in you that which is well pleasing in HIS sight, through JESUS  CHRIST; to whom be glory forever and ever. AMEN