Text – Psalm 23; Matthew 10:16A; John 10: 4-5 (read vv. 16-20; 3-5)
INTRODUCTION –
Someplace or somewhere, many of us have either read or heard the 23rd Psalm. This is one of the most familiar passages of scripture in the Bible. There are many lessons to be taught and learned from this Psalm; for one thing, it shows us the unique relationship between the Shepherd and his sheep. I am reminded of how Shepherds would often meet up together with their flocks, and while they were grazing and watering they would be sitting around talking . . . (continue the story).
David himself was a shepherd, a warrior, and even a King! Yet he was not ashamed to be recognized as a sheep, but he also was not ashamed to acknowledge GOD as his shepherd. When we look at how David describes his relationship with his Shepherd, take note of how the workings of David’s Shepherd and how the Holy Spirit works in, for, and with us is similar! Look at what David said about the relationship between him and his Shepherd:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23 (NIV)
Now let us look at what Jesus has to say about His relationship with His sheep:
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10:16-20 (NIV)
“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” John 10: 3-5 (NIV)
CONCLUSION –
It seems like men are often painting a picture of sheep as stupid animals. But how stupid can they be if:
- That in the midst of many other seemingly capable Shepherds, they only follow the one Shepherd.
- They not only put their total confidence in their Shepherd, but they depend on him for their every care.
- They have so much confidence in their Shepherd, that even when they stray away and can’t even see him; that doesn’t keep them from crying out to him.
- They don’t just depend on how their Shepherd looks, there may be another Shepherd who looks like their Shepherd, but even in a crowd they will only follow their Shepherd’s voice.
When the Lord said that He is sending His Believers out as sheep among wolves, Jesus is letting us know that He is well aware of what is out there waiting for them. But He is also letting them know that they have no need to fear because HE is right there with them; watching them and supplying all of their needs as always.
If only the Lord’s sheep were as “DUMB” as real sheep!