What Happened When God Named HImself
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Psalm 23 (ESV)
The LORD is my shepherd
Are you in a COVENANT relationship with the mighty, self-existent, Holy One?
The LORD IS my shepherd
IS. . . Not Was.
IS. . . Not Will Be.
How is your PRESENT relationship with the LORD?
How PRESENT is your relationship with the LORD?
The LORD is MY shepherd
Hebrews 13:20 (NLT)
Jesus is the great SHEPHERD of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood.
How PERSONAL is your relationship with the LORD?
The Lord is my SHEPHERD
Many key Biblical leaders were literal shepherds—Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, Amos
Metaphor: a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them
· SHEPHERD is a metaphor for a POWERFUL RULER
Genesis 49:24 (NLT)
How do you need the POWER of your SHEPHERD?
· SHEPHERD is a metaphor for a CARING PROVIDER
Isaiah 40:10-11 (NLT)
How do you need the CARE of your SHEPHERD?
Where are you like a lamb who needs extra protection and attention?
I shall not want (ESV)
Other translations less tied to the wording of the old King James:
There is nothing I lack. (HCSB)
I don’t need a thing. (Msg)
I have everything I need. (NLT)
I will not be without any good thing. (BBE)
This DOES NOT mean David’s life was problem-free!
· Death and darkness were near (v.4)
· He had enemies (v.5)
JESUS, the Good and Great SHEPHERD is
· A POWERFUL RULER (LORD)
Matthew 2:6 (NLT)
· A CARING PROVIDER (Savior)
Matthew 9: 35-36 (NLT)
1 Peter 2:24-25 (NLT)
Are you living in his forgiveness right now?
Benediction
Hebrews 13:20 (NLT)
And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord JESUS, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of JESUS CHRIST, all that is pleasing to him. JESUS is the great SHEPHERD of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.