Marsh,. he would say again. The prophet Micah tell us of Jesus as the shepherd king from Bethlehem. That does not mean, however, that you and I are without hope. "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" I want. After this an old man was asked to present the same Psalm. /T 108286 Thank you. That doesnt help anyone. This is a Psalm of David and David was a shepherd. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Awakening from a sleep, he said, Earth recedes, Heaven opens before me. He is there, right beside you, guiding and leading step by step. While we may see this as a natural part of life, this was not how God designed this life to be. A large audience filled the large auditorium. Do you have this same assurance? Fix your eyes on Jesus, your Good Shepherd. Whether it is Psalm 23, John 14, the last verse of Psalm 17, or a thousand other Bible passages, God's Word is powerful and will do its work. are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; The wise seek Jesus. By Gene Wilder, posted October 26, 1999 in . Shepherd need a shepherd and sheep dog team who know them and who claim them. "The Good Shepherd" (Psalm 23) Introduction. Ask God to show you where you can walk to know abundant life. Funeral from Psalm 23. Psalm 121: A Funeral Sermon Ministry Today 42: March 2008 By Paul Beasley-Murray Chair of Ministry Today and Senior Minister of Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford I cant remember when Alan and Alison first began to attend our church - it must have been toward the end of the last millennium. We can persevere as long as we can see light at the end of the tunnel. They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: Have you personally received Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God and as your Good Shepherd? In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? In heaven we will be totally surrounded by God's presence. By following the Jesus, the Good Shepherd. She was a real Christian for many years. Sermon Text: Psalm 23 Introduction: GOOD MORNING TO ALL! The famous historical events from WW I are being omitted. Before starting the program he said, I know the Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd! This was because all demonstrations of kindness expressed by the Sawi were regarded with suspicion. Take a look as she answered a few questions. Only those who believe that Jesus died for them will be saved. xref Those who belong to the Good Shepherd receive a lavish welcome when they arrive home. FIRST-PERSON: Funeral service's 23rd Psalm recitation underscores today's biblical illiteracy. "Even though I walk through the darkest valley," or as most of us memorized it, "the valley of the shadow of death.". Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.". This passage puts Psalm 23 into perspective. Her observations gave me pause to think more deeply of a passage I knew well. Death is the penalty for sin, and we are all sinners, worthy of death. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. We received that news with overwhelming shock and disbelief. He knows the way. And you, Bethlehem, in the land ofJudah, 43 0 obj Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me ( Ps. It is the greater reality of today. 3 He restores my soul. I will not mislead you by denying that reality or letting platitudes and sentimentalities echo off the valleys walls. Hebrews 13:20-21: Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. A mother was asked by a census-taker how many children she had. God's provisions are certainly available, but only if the Lord is your shepherd. From the Gospel of Matthew, we get a glimpse of the scripture lesson we hear most around Epiphany. Years ago I met a veteran of World War I. He goes with us every step of the way. Friday: They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet. Matthew 2:5. David knew that he had received God's lavish care all his life. This is the good news of the gospel, of which the writer to the Hebrews is speaking. We come, knowing that we, too, shall experience death. We want hope. Amen. Eloise was the church pianist and later she was the church organist. Death was defeated by the Lamb who was slain, and who rose again. He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Shepherds know the needs of their sheep. Today we walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23). It is by Christ's death that we are saved from our sins. It is that eternal and everlasting life that gives us hope even in death that we might see Your Son. You did create that! God spares nothing to care for me. As I give thanks to God for this last week in which we hosted Family Promise, including one of the first children born into the program (born on Maundy Thursday), this is one way in which knowing our community, loving the people, and shepherding have served well those in need. As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for YOUR rod and YOUR staff comfort me. We want happiness. Ted A. Giese / Friday October 23rd 2020: Season of Pentecost / Psalm 23 'Lord Take My Hand' The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters.He restores my soul.He leads me in paths of righteousnessfor His name's sake. Yet the promise that God has already given us eternal life with him sustains us in our journey and gives substance to our hope. He makes us lie down in green pastures. In Psalm 23 David writes "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life" (Psalm 23:6 NIV). It tells us that David's faith, as expressed in Psalm 23 is not natural, but supernatural. In the next few moments, I want to offer to you the hope which David experienced, and which he expressed in Psalm 23. Psalm 23 Funeral sermon: A Letter to the Deceased (Molin) I knew there would be many voices heard today, sharing stories and memories; laughter and tears with you who knew and loved Steve. We have come to celebrate and remember the life of. If Interrupting the Silence has been meaningful in your life or helpful in your ministry please. Let's be honest, the valley of the shadow of death is a place we're all a little squeamish about. Do we know those we live with well enough to know when they are struggling, before they have admitted to themselves? Exchanging the fear of death for faith in Jesus Christ is a personal decision. Thats why we must stay close, walk together, and continually remind ourselves and one another that a shadow cannot exist apart from light. Our Comfort is in Christ. Every time this happened I would try to slow him down as best as anyone could and remind him, Ashley, I havent created anything. And with Brandy, family didnt stop with blood. Psalm 90:3-6. We have many wants dont we? The psalm goes on to say, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. He makes me lie down in green pastures. And so is Thomas question, How can we know the way (John 14:1-6)? However, I feel that most people miss out on some of the deepest and richest truths that it has to share. God protected Sarah, and spoke to Pharaoh, who was about to make her his wife. Scripture: Psalm 25. God is our shepherd He guides us through this earthly life. She would simply repeat over and over again I want. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. No one wants to. This sermon has inspired me greatly as I am using portions of it to prepare a sermon/eulogy for my fallen first cousin. Mary Anne, thank you so very much for your kind and encouraging words. He is the only one to journey through death and come out victorious. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Isaiah spoke of it as the Sprit of the Lord God bringing good news, binding up the brokenhearted, and comforting those who mourn (Isaiah 61:1-3). Out of visioning time together, I am asking all of us to be in prayer. And in fact, I wanna ask you to do that . Its what attracted you and me to him. He hasnt left you to figure this out or find your way on your on. 0000002553 00000 n /Info 41 0 R When we belong to God. After a number of years, God put Abraham's faith to its greatest test. David understood what it was to be a shepherd and David knew a lot about sheep and what sheep need. John Piper Jan 10, 1988. I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. His first impulse was to avoid the beggar, but there was something strangely familiar about him. The Sawi then realized that this was what God had done for them. Thursday: And calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. Matthew 2:4. + Funeral Homilies He does not just say that the Lord is a shepherd. Do we know what is specific about West Grove now? Let me illustrate from the life of Abraham, how the fear of death imprisons us as slaves, and how faith in Jesus Christ frees us. The peace of the twenty-third psalm is built on that great promise, "The Lord is my Shepherd.". ! Where do you need to study Gods word, so you are better prepared for Gods will? Throughout this series, we will hear from Judy on living with sheep and sheepdogs. This is the faith of which David is writing, in Psalm 23. It brings comfort and encouragement to all who read it. While we are walking in this valley, God is still with you. Introduction. Its a matrix in which God and everything and everyone are connected. Has your soul been restored? 0000003632 00000 n Death is a mystery we cannot fully comprehend. You must know and love the sheep. Fourth, David's fear of death was gone because he was assured of God's presence. I am increasingly careful about the terms I use in preaching. 0000001988 00000 n God is frequently described in the Bible as being like a shepherd who cares for and tends to a flock of sheep. Psalm 23 is often quoted, recited . But there is another reality, a greater reality. 0000004086 00000 n . Psalm 23:1-2 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Amen. . I mentioned earlier that death was not apart of Gods plan. Daytime Lives and Nighttime Lives - A Sermon on John 3:1-17, When Life Changes - A Sermon on Matthew 17:1-9, When A Loved One Dies - A Funeral Sermon on John 14:1-6, Found Out and Known - A Sermon on John 4:5-42, Lent 3A, Follow Interrupting the Silence on WordPress.com. This is part of what led faith leaders in our area to discern a need for Family Promise. The Goodness of God and the Guidance of Sinners. Church Of God. If its ok for Jesus to grieve for the loss of those closest to him, it is ok for you to do the same. I was born in the flesh in 1837; I was born of the Spirit in 1856. He understood the special relationship and care a shepherd has with the sheep. Not like you lecturing yourself, but rather praying into the hope that the day will come when you and I might say with fully certainty I shall not want. We are not surely exactly what we want, just that we are unsatisfied with what we have. Learn more. Will you take the Shepherds hand and let him lead you through this valley of darkness so that you can say at the end of the psalm-, Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." >> That light does not undo what has happened or magically make everything better. God provided so well for him that he lacked nothing. Scripture is clear if you want to know this Savior, to know this shepherd who must turn from living life for yourself and trust in Jesus as the Good Shepherd to lead you through life. 23 (READ). endobj Heaven is our living hope, even in death, 2.) Psalm 23 is a highly personal Psalm for David. Spend time in the Bible today, so you know Gods will and way. 0000003817 00000 n God is our shepherd, and we are his sheep. Third, David's faith replaced his fear of his enemies, and even of death. Sheep have many wants. He had fascinating stories to tell, and one of them was about a battle that had taken place in Europe. You may know the 23 rd Psalm, but do you know the Good Shepherd? He restores our souls. Psalm 23:2-3 ESV. We are the sheep in this passage. God had called Abraham from his homeland and brought him to the land of Israel, which He promised to give to him and his descendants. 15 Outstanding Quotes To Recharge Your Preaching. The psalmist sees God in control of his life. All shall be well. Psalm 23 Devotional 4: Our Shepherd Knows Us . Your honesty and hope are perfect. The psalms, and especially Psalm 23, speak powerfully to and for God's people in troubled times. << you are my son - everything I have is yours! " We cannot remove this problem ourselves. Yes, the shadow of death is our reality today. God is not a distant God who winds up the universe and lets it go. Sin marred everything. So help our spirits to find peace and comfort in Your eternal strength. Jesus way leads to life. However, I have come to believe that Psalm 23 has little to do with funerals, instead, it has everything to do with life and familiarity. The Lord Jesus Christ then died for our sins, and suffered the penalty, our penalty, of death. 25-26. The putter is the essential club for golfers. Make Your Spirit and peace present in all of their homes and lives. We who work with God, also need to know one another. The end of our journey through life on earth is to be with God forever. It was there the day Ashley died and it is here today. There are many images in this psalm which hold particular meaning. My privilege on this occasion, is to share with you how you can grieve with hope. But what the Word of God does make very clear is that as we move through such times, God is with us. Third, David's faith replaced his fear of his enemies, and even of death. A Funeral Sermon: Bishop Dehon. Through Christ we pray. He was truly a miracle child. That is our way through the valley of the shadow of death. You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. 0000001149 00000 n And thus, those who trust in Him need no longer fear death. Sometimes the journey is filled with joy, and sometimes it is very sad and lonely. Not how it was 30 years ago, but right now and right now. In Keilah, Philistines fled before him. 0000031987 00000 n Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. All shall be well. It never fades. This will continue forever and ever. 3. Do we know our neighbors well enough to know when a family member is sick, what they might need? It tells us that the fear of death hinders and haunts men all of their lives. /Prev 108275 The message from the everyday saints to "walk the walk" of daily faith in our time, the message is clear: Psalm 23 is essential. 1013. Truth Taught- Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of Psalm 23 meeting all our needs by His presence and care. From where is my help to come? (Psalm 121) are no longer the psalmists words. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Psalm 23:4: Comfort Through the Rod and Staff: F. B. Meyer, B. What your feeling is expected. Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. However, that seemed to me to be off kilter somehow. The chef's knife is the essential tool for cooks. As one scholar said, "The psalm itself is green pasture; the psalm itself is still water; the psalm itself restores my soul." Hear it again in the joyous voice of a . Sunday: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1. The Funeral Sermon for Helen Abercrombie Pastor Michael L. McCoy Grace, mercy and peace to you, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The final verses indicate God's foresight for those who believe in and abide by him. Verse 1 - "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" - is really the theme of . He did it by dying on a cross and raising from the dead. Scriptures: Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. We no longer desired God and our bodies started to break down. Jesus was always to be our shepherd. % by the Rev. But dont forget all the great times you had together. Today the familiarity, poetry, and beauty of the 23rd psalm have a different tone. Fifth, David's faith rested in the fact that God was present with him, in life, in death, and throughout all eternity. Psalm 23:4: Deep Shades: A. S. Brooke. We trust in the good shepherd. Jesus also said that he was a shepherdthe Good Shepherd. He was an American, but he had actually enlisted with the British army and was fighting in the war for quite some time before most Americans. Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. He took on human flesh and lived among men. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.". 2009-2023 Michael K. Marsh and Interrupting The Silence, All Rights Reserved. Our new Preaching Suite solution makes it easy to prepare, preach and archive your sermons. David could rejoice because the Lord, his Shepherd, was with Him. He's the one who has made the way. Thats because when God created this world, He created us to be with him. Our love has driven us to talk about our guests with compassion and a desire to serve those whose lives feel so different from those of us who are not worried about where we will sleep tonight. I want whatever it is that you will not give me. 0000001654 00000 n It is in moments like this that I have no answers, explanations, or understanding for myself or for you. Late in the morning, the German officers raised a white flag and moved toward the British lines and under a flag of truce, conferred with the British officers. 0000002861 00000 n It is already a present reality. This psalm is a favorite, especially when one brought fact to face with the grim reality of death. It so happened that the battle continued into Christmas Day. The text which I have just read from the Book of Hebrews expands on David's words in Psalm 23, explaining how David's faith in God can free him from the fear of death. You feel like you cant see a foot in front of your face. 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