Psalm 23 – The Faithful Shepherd (20/09/2026)
This sermon continues a new series on the life of David, focusing on Psalm 23 as a window into how David's experiences shaped his understanding of God. The speaker explores three movements in the psalm: God leads me, God is with me, and God pursues me.
In the first section (verses 1–3), the picture is of a shepherd walking ahead of his sheep, calling them to follow. The speaker reminds us that the context is not the lush English countryside but the dry, arid Middle East, where shepherds had to know where to lead their flocks for food and water. David's declaration "I shall not want" speaks of God going ahead and providing. The speaker emphasises that the Christian life is not about asking God to bless our plans, but about learning to discern and follow the shepherd's call — even when the direction seems unclear or contrary to what has been promised. David himself was anointed as king as a young lad, yet spent years in the fields, facing persecution and betrayal, before the promise was fulfilled. God was forming his character for the calling he had placed on him.
In the second section (verse 4), the shepherd's position shifts from ahead of the sheep to right alongside them. The language becomes more intimate — "You are with me" — as David describes walking through the valley of the shadow of death. The speaker shares how David faced real danger: Saul hunted him day after day, and later his own son Absalom led a coup against him. Yet through it all, David learned to trust God's protection. The speaker shares a personal story of a dark season following the deaths of several people close to him, including his brother, and how a friend's picture of Jesus sitting on the shoreline, gently holding him in place, taught him that God is not only his shepherd but his keeper.
In the third section (verses 5–6), the shepherd is now behind the sheep, eagerly pursuing them with goodness and hesed — God's unfailing, steadfast, covenantal love. The speaker highlights that this love is not based on our performance but on God's covenant. He points to the table God prepares in the presence of our enemies, the oil of the Holy Spirit that protects and elevates us above the attacks of the spiritual enemy, and the beautiful promise that goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. David's serious failures — including his affair with Bathsheba and the killing of her husband — are not excused, but they demonstrate that God's covenantal faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection.
Central Message:
Whatever season you find yourself in — a green pasture, a dark valley, a waiting room, or a place of failure — the shepherd is faithful. He leads you, He stays with you, and He pursues you with unfailing love. Jesus is the good shepherd who has laid down His life for His sheep.
Key Encouragement:
Rather than asking "Where am I going?", the better question is "What is God forming in me?" The destination is His job; our job is to allow Him to lead us there, keeping our hearts continually turned towards our shepherd.
Reflective Question:
Rather than asking "Where am I going?", perhaps the better question is "What is God forming in me?" — take a moment to consider: in whatever season you find yourself in right now, are you allowing the Good Shepherd to lead you, stay close to you, and pursue you with His unfailing love?
