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9715447866 / 9712215293
434 SE 136th Ave
Portland, OR  97230-2551
Do You Know the Voice of Your Shepherd
Awit 23: Do You Know the Voice of Your Shepherd?
John 10:4
Pastor Gary Kempton (5/26/12)

 
  • While I am teaching out of Psalms 23, it is important to note that the "shepherd" is mentioned in many places in the Bible.
  • We see that much of the first 16 verses in John 10 refer to the shepherd. Jesus told of the shepherd and then explained what he was talking about.
  • Let's see if we can identify the shepherd.
  • A shepherd of the sheep will enter through the sheep gate. Anyone else will come in by another way.
  • When he speaks, his sheep know his voice and follow him. They will go wherever he goes. Anyone else they will not follow; they are more likely to ignore or be afraid of a stranger.
  • When he leads them out, he goes in front of them to make sure everything is okay and no harm can come to them. Because they know him, they trust him to take care of them.
  • When Jesus explains to the disciples we see the job of the shepherd.
  • He (the shepherd) is willing to die for his sheep. He will defend the lives of every one of them. If you hire someone else, they will not put their life on the line for the sheep and probably will not go looking for lost sheep.
  • The shepherd takes care of all the sheep that belong to him; they may be in different pens but they still know his voice.
  • You see those who are his will enter the gate and be taken care of completely. When he opens the gate, he is releasing blessing and opportunity for them to graze in green pastures and be safe. When they come in, they are blessed again with a place to rest and lie down and also be safe.
  • Jesus is our shepherd; as pastors we are his co-shepherds. We echo His voice to His sheep and they should follow.
  • We teach the Word which is His voice - His sheep (people) should follow the Word.
  • Now let's look at Psalm 23:
  • vs 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want (lack anything). The Tagalog version says I have everything I need.
  • When we put our trust in God, we will have everything we need.
  • vs 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water.
  • Just as the shepherd provides food and water for the sheep, God also supplies us with food and drink. Alongside pools of rest. In other words, we need to rest when He leads us there. If we keep roaming around and are too busy, His rest does not come to us. If we listen to His voice and heed His words, we come into rest (or peace). When we are at peace, we have no worry. While we are resting, our strength physically, mentally and spiritually is renewed and built up.
  • vs 3 He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths as he has promised.
  • So not only are we renewed in strength, but because we heed His Word, He can lead us the way we should go. When we know His Word and trust and obey Him, the path becomes clearer to us. Again, when we are at peace or rest and trust Him completely, it is easier to follow; if you don't know someone well enough, you might not want to follow or are reluctant to trust that person.
  • As pastor, that is our responsibility - to help you get to the peace and trust in God. We teach you the Word and how to be obedient; it is your job to accept and follow.
  • vs 4 Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will no be afraid, Lord for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.
  • Even though we are Christians, we can and will enter times of darkness. We have mountains and valleys (our situations change) - remember your attitude determines your altitude. Even when we enter those times, our dependence on God should keep us from despair.
  • But when we go through those times, God is always there and He will help is through them - we just need to be strong, patient, and trust Him. (Think about the poem Footprints in the Sand - God picks us up and carries us when we cannot go on). He knows us better (Psalms 139) than we do so He will take care of us.
  • The rod (for poking) and the staff (for correcting) were not just for the sheep. They were part of the shepherd's arsenal against predators. Another weapon was the slingshot. If you remember, David used one. That's how he defeated Goliath - a slingshot and five small smooth stones (he only needed one). These weapons were what helped fight off bears, lions, and wolves to keep the sheep safe. Unlike most animals that would run from danger, sheep will just stop and not move - so the shepherd had to protect them.
  • God has His own weapons (far better than the above). He can protect us better than we could ever do. But we have to trust Him that He is our Protector at all times.
  • Psalms 9:9-10: As we trust in Him and seek His protection, He lifts us up into His refuge (fortress) where no enemy, not even Satan can get to us. Notice the trust (belief/faith) needs to be there.
  • vs 5 You prepare a banquet for me, where my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim (or until it runs over).
  • Glory. Your enemies will see you being honored by God at the great Supper of the Bride and Groom. You are honored like you are so special; you are - each person who believes and receives and trusts God and Jesus is so special. He has no favor one over another yet each of us is special.
  • And your cup will never run dry. Remember Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well that He had water that would never stop and she would not thirst again. that's it! You will never be thirsty again. He will fill you up exceedingly - not so much physically but also spiritually - your well (the sustaining well inside you) will never ever run dry.
  • vs 6 I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my house as long as I live.
  • His mercy and goodness forever and ever. His house (mansions) He has selected for you will be eternal. While your home here might not be the best (nipa or wood or cement), He will certainly give you a beautiful mansion when He comes back for you.
  • So you see, God loves you. Jesus loves you and we love you. It is our desire that you come to the place of following the shepherd(s). The only way you know if they are yours, is if you know the Word and what is said lines up with it. There is no doubt Jesus' words are true. Trust, believe, obey and receive all God has for you.