You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Psalm 23:5a

From the valley of the shadow of death, to a table prepared for us in extraordinary circumstances. What is this table, and what does it mean for us?

Our passages:  Psalm 23:5 & John 21:12-23. Preacher: Ian Bayne (7th June 2020).

Watch the sermon

Taking stock

It’s providential timing that we come to this line as we are celebrating the Lord’s table, communion, today. As we take the bread and wine, we remind ourselves of our shepherd’s goodness.

A change in language has occurred

The observant amongst you may have noticed that between v3 and 4 has been a change in language.

In v1-3 he refers to what the shepherd has done for the sheep. e.g. “He leads me”, “He restores my soul”, “He guides me”

From v4 through to the end, though, it becomes more personal: “You are with me, you prepare a table before me.”

There’s been a change in the language from what God has done and is doing to the psalmist now talking to God in a very personal way. Like the psalmist, we should hopefully see this transformation in the way we relate to God.

A more personal relationship

It’s all well and good to talk about what God has done, but we need to move into a personal relationship with Jesus.

Most evenings my wife and I watch The Chase. It’s a TV show where a team of contestants take on an expert ‘Chaser’ at general knowledge questions. We like watching the super-smart Chaser.

From regular watching, we’ve got to know several questions that are always asked. If it’s a river, is usually the Thames; if it’s about Greek mythology is usually Zeus. Typically, there are two questions about the Bible. Whether the Chasers are believers or not is not revealed when they answer these questions, but they usually win because they know about the Bible. They know who came out of the Arc and who killed Abel. But simply knowing this doesn’t mean they have faith.

False prophets can tell the truth about God, but that doesn’t mean they’re in a close personal relationship with God.

Something amazing has happened in Psalm 23, which is easy to miss. The transformation occurs in v3 when “he restores my soul”. When regeneration occurs and God closes in on the sheep, the psalmist shifts language to ‘you’.

An intimate relationship

The Christian faith is much more than knowledge: we’re not called to play philosophy. We need to be “gripped by the gospel” so we move into this personal and intimate relationship with the gospel.

Historians have theorised that Psalm 23 is likely borne out of a real experience: perhaps when David’s son Absalom tried to take over as king. As we read in 2 Samuel 17: David was on the run, and Absalom wanted to kill him. It’s worth pausing for a moment to contemplate how this rejection and treason would have felt.

When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, [28] brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils, [29] honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”

2 Samuel 17:27-29 ESV

While the psalmist may be thinking of an actual event, the language of the table being prepared is future tense. King David is a type of the real king, Jesus. Therefore we can say:

He’s not just prepared a table once, but continues to prepare tables for us.

Explanation: The shepherd’s tables

Today we’ll look at where the great shepherd prepares a table. We’ll look at three examples (not exhaustive) of tables the Lord prepares for us.

It’s a table of:

1. Compassion
2. Communion
3. Celebration

1. Table of compassion: feeding the 5,000

This event is recounted in Matthew 14:13-21. (It’s not the only example of Jesus feeding a large crowd)

This is a table borne of compassion.

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Matthew 14:14 ESV

It was a table of necessity. The crowd is without food and food is unobtainable. The people are hungry in a desolate place because they’ve gone to follow Jesus.

Sometimes we will find ourselves in a desolate place because we follow Jesus. This table is given at a late hour to a needy people; giving an opportunity to demonstrate a miracle.

Imagine yourself in their shoes. How would you respond?

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. [27] Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

John 6:26-27 ESV

Like we often do, they focussed on the gift rather than the giver. They shouldn’t be thinking about the food. They should be thinking about who did the miracle and what it represents.

2. Table of Communion: the last supper

And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.

Luke 22:15 ESV

A tale of communion is a feast of fellowship. Jesus earnestly desired to eat the feast with then.

And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. [22] For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!”

Luke 22:14-22 ESV

There is close contact and intimacy at the feast.

So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?”

John 13:25 ESV

This offer is repeated to us in Revelation:

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Revelation 3:20 ESV

It’s a feast of fellowship, rememberance and intimacy.

3. Table of celebration:

Our passage in John represents another table. Is a celebration because it’s at breakfast time (v12). We’ve broken the fast of the night and received the energy from the food. Here the table Jesus is at is a celebration in the presence in the Lord.

No longer mourning

to grant to those who mourn in Zion- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3 ESV

As the song goes: “He gave me beauty for ashes; the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for heaviness…that we might be trees of righteousness.”

Songs such as this are how we remember the scriptures. Isaiah 63: a spirit of heaviness.

Formerly there was mourning: Jesus has died. There’s still an aspect of mourning, because they don’t realise the significance of the resurrection. In Peter’s depressed state he says he’s going fishing. They all go out for fish and are out all night and catch nothing. When they come into shore, they see the Lord on the shore, already cooking a fish.

They break the fast: they were mourning because Jesus had died. The breakfast is a table of celebration. The Lord is feeding his sheep with it.

Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. [22] So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

John 16:20,22 ESV

Celebration and restoration

The Gospel turns mourning into celebration. Now looking forward we have a table of celebration. We see this in John 21.

1. Confirmation (Forgiveness)

This table of celebration is a confirmation of the risen King Jesus: He’s risen from the dead and is proving it by eating with them.

2. Restoration

There’s been a restoration of the believer. On the night Jesus was arrested Peter betrayed him three times, yet in this passage we see Peter being restored.

3. Commissioning

Jesus then commissions him as an under-shepherd.

He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

John 21:16 ESV

Restoration is available for all true sheep: no matter how difficult and how many times we deny Him, He still commissions us to be his servant.

Every time I stand up to preach, I am so grateful for these verses.

4. Warning of what’s to come

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”

John 21:18 ESV

Peter was eventually crucified. He requested to be crucified upside down to not be like Christ (this is not in the bible – it comes from other sources, but it would be consistent with what we know of Peter).

Our individual responsibility

Our salvation is a challenge to individual responsibility.

When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?”

John 21:21 ESV

Jesus effectively says to mind your own business because whilst Jesus gathers us corporately, but calls us individually. He wants us to mind our own spiritual business.

Personal application

I come from a line of shepherds. An enduring memory of my father was out at lambing time in August in New Zealand. It was often wet and stormy and he would be soaked. He carried flasks of warm milk with a tube and feed the lambs that wouldn’t make it through the night.

The milk: the word of God is given to the weak and those who can’t help themselves. He ensures that we survive still.

He prepares a table before us in the midst of our enemies. Praise Him.

Resources

Questions? Please contact us. Inspired? Come and worship with us on Sundays.

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.

Psalm 23:4 ESV

We come to the third and final week in verse four. Though we can have severe trials in life, how does the Lord protect us from harm? What tools does he have available, and what can we expect?

Our passages:  Psalm 23:4 & 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10. Preacher: Ian Bayne (31st May 2020).

Watch the Sermon

Recap

It’s our final week in verse four, so let’s recap what we’ve learned in this verse.

We’ve looked at the valleys of life and how they often follow good times, quite differently. It’s normal and expected for Christians to face hard times of different shapes, sizes and intensities. One of the great challenges of difficulties is that they obscure our perspective on life and what’s important.

Valleys help us grow in humility, and build our faith and trust in the shepherd to guide and defend us. We can be world defying and eternally aspiring.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21 ESV

The valleys of life are the places where we’re most vulnerable to predators.

Our predators are:

1. Predator: Our own hearts

Our own hearts can deceive us. We have intrinsic sin present in us.

So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. [18] For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.

[24] Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

Romans 7:17-18, 24 ESV

2. Predator: The world

The world around us is presenting us alternatives to God

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life-is not from the Father but is from the world. [17] And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 2:15-17 ESV

3. Predator: The devil

He seeks to destroy God’s kingdom. Because God loves us the devil seeks to destroy us in the spiritual war that rages on behind the scenes.

Evil is manifested through argument, accusation and attack.

We need to be aware. The sheep’s defence is the shepherd and because of the shepherd we are armed and dangerous.

Explanation

Today we’ll look at the last part of verse 4:

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.

Psalm 23:4

Comfort and consolation is offered

The word “comfort” here means console.

When I was growing up, my mother was the local nurse, and many people would die because the hospital was so far away. A neighbour died while he was washing the dishes. She tried to resuscitate him, but to no avail.

The next day I was struck by how, as we sat in the room, people from the neighborhood and church came over. They came to console them.

Job in the Old Testament had three comforters: three of his friends who came to console him after he lost everything.

This is the kind of meaning comfort has here – so we can see how it is applicable to even the most grevious trials in our lives.

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

Isaiah 40:1 ESV

Isaiah spent many years prophesying against Israel. Even when they are judged and sent into exile after a series of conquests there is still comfort available.

Rod and staff: tools of the trade

A shepherd has a rod and staff. Many shepherds subsequently combined them into a crook in later years. Why does a shepherd carry a rod and staff?

They are to:

1. Defend
2. Discipline
3. Divide
4. Deliver

1. Defend

There were lions and bears in those days wanting to eat the sheep. A big stick was used to defend the sheep.

2. Discipline

Sheep can steal other lambs. Farmers take the sheep out who don’t have lambs get taken out so this doesn’t happen. Sometimes the shepherd needs to discipline them to move them out.

Rams can sometimes attack farmers.

3. Divide

Need to divide the good from the bad, the far from the thin, old from young, and the sheep and the goat. Depending on what’s needed.

It’s all about balance.

Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Matthew 25:32 ESV

Sheep are well behaved. Goats are not. (In Jesus’s parable, the goats go to the left and are condemned)

4. Deliver

Jesus tells a parable of the lost sheep being delivered (Luke 15:1-7).

Sometimes sheep don’t want to come back. They’re not dumb but they can be naughty.

The shepherd will catch the sheep and bring them back. Our shepherd is particularly dilligenct in his search and protection of his sheep.

As we covered in verse 1, the Lord has a known number of sheep and he cares for each one.

This leads to a situation like referred to in the 1970’s hit: Hotel California. You can check out any time you like, but you can’t leave. The Lord will come and get you and bring you back if you are part of his flock. This in itself is a comfort that he’s looking out for us.

Application

Protection and comfort

His rod and staff comfort us still.

who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:5 ESV

We are protected by God himself. We saw how this was through calling, leading and driving if necessary. He will discipline his sheep as and when required.

Discipline

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

Hebrews 12:6 ESV

Discipline isn’t pleasant, but it’s an important part of growing.

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11 ESV

It tells us he loves us. If you love your children you won’t let them run riot. You’ll teach them to respect others, because you know it will help them get on in life.

Aspiration

The Lord is calling us to aspire to Holiness.

For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. 

Leviticus 11:44a

This is because we bear the vessels of the Lord – we are his people and draw near to him, therefore we should not be unclean in his sight by doing sinful things.

Depart, depart, go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who bear the vessels of the LORD.

Isaiah 52:11 ESV

We should look at how we can please God, not the powers of darkness.

Rescue

The purpose of the rod and staff is deliverance. To be returned to the fold.

The story of David and Goliath is told in 1 Samuel 17, where David rescued the Israelites from the Philistines.

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

1 Samuel 17:45 ESV

Everyone is trembling at Goliath. A shepherd boy, David, has brought food for his brothers. He goes out to meet Goliath. He takes a sling and 5 stones. It’s a detail not mentioned explicitly in the passage, but from v43 we know he also took his rod and staff.

And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

1 Samuel 17:43 ESV

He thinks that David will come at him with a stick, not a sling and stone, and therefore isn’t expecting to be hit from a distance.

Salvation

When God equips us we can come through the big valleys. But this isn’t the point of the story. David represented the whole nation when he overcame Goliath, he was pointing to a greater rescue:

Jesus is referred to as the son of David. Jesus saves his kingdom. This is recognised when he’s referred to as the son of David.

And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”

Matthew 9:27 ESV

Goliath is dead, as sin died on the cross – defeated by the good shepherd. All we need to do is follow behind him.

Resources

Questions? Please contact us. Inspired? Come and worship with us on Sundays.

Referenced media

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.

Psalm 23:4 ESV

Last week we looked at the “valleys of life”, this week we look at the evil that stalks the valleys and makes them dangerous. We’ll look at how our shepherd protects us, and what we need to do to stay safe.

Watch the sermon

Recap

The valleys of life:

• Often follow after good times, sometimes very rapidly
• Come in various shapes, sizes, and intensity
• Are part of walking the paths of righteousness (being a Christian)
• Tend to obscure our perspective on life

As a Christan you will experience difficulties in your life.

God leads us on the paths of righteousness (v3) which includes the valleys of life. The purpose of this is for our humility.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

1 Peter 5:6

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 6:3

As we successfully navigate valleys we learn to build our trust in the shepherd. Valleys teach us to trust God at all times, not just turn to Him in times of great difficulty.

Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favour to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 – Solomon’s words

We are weak, we cannot defy time and change. He is strong and master of these things. This should give us comfort and inspire us to be world defying and eternally aspiring.

Whilst we need to make the most of our time on this earth for God’s glory we don’t want to put down hard roots here: our eye is on the eternal promises and treasure in heaven.

Explanation

The valleys of life are the places where we’re most vulnerable to predators. They are up on the ridgeline and have a great view of us, but we cannot see them.

We experience evil.

In Scooby Do there is usually a monster who shrieks “Ra”. This word in Hebrew means evil.

Sources of evil in our lives:

1) our hearts

There’s enough resident evil in our hearts even after conversion.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

Jeremiah 17:9 ESV

In Romans 7 Paul explains how evil is in our hearts.

2) the world

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life-is not from the Father but is from the world.

1 John 2:15-16 ESV

Paul includes the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life in his analysis of the world. Because we’re in the world, we have to deal with these things: evil is all around us.

And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”

Isaiah 6:5 ESV

Isaiah recognised he lived in a culture of evil.

3) the devil himself

The devil is a fallen angel: the enemy of God. When we call him the devil, we mean he is the slanderer, the one who tells lies. He is our adversary. He is sometimes called Apollyon, the destroyer.

4) all of the above

Sometimes a source of evil can be one or more than one of these three things. Ultimately it doesn’t really matter. Evil is opposed to God and his people and we need to stand firm against it.

Let’s look at how to do this:

Application

Firstly, let’s take a look at how evil shows itself in our lives. We can see evil in:

• Argument
• Accusation
• Attack

1. Argument

When we think of ourselves, we can think we’re good but sometimes do bad things. This view denies what the bible teaches about us (the doctrine of man). We are depraved: even the very best things that we do are tainted by sin.

Sometimes the world argues: “Religion/Christianity is the cause of many of the world’s problems”. In actual fact, many of the great benefits society enjoys have come from Christianity. Christianity is far from the source of the world’s problems, and actually offers the solution.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”

Genesis 3:1 ESV

The devil twists God’s words and argues. He argues with and convinces Eve.

2. Accusation

We can think: “God will never forgive me because my sins are too many or too great”. We are accused of our sin and it can overwhelm us.

Even where something we’ve done has huge consequences we can still be forgiven. How can we say that our sins are bigger than God’s grace?

The world may say that we can never make changes in our lives, but the Bible says we can, and that God will change us.

3. Attack

Satan: the chief accuser

Opposition can come from the devil himself. More experienced Christians may have experienced outright attack. He uses spiritual poison, propaganda and words to hurt us.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12 ESV

The Bible makes it clear that he is a liar.

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 8:44 ESV

Love is so much more than what the music industry says it is.

In the 1970s Keith Green wrote create in me a clean heart (a paraphrase of Ps 51).

He also wrote another song about a dialogue with Satan, as the world became less spiritual throughout the 20th centuary, rejecting faith for ‘science’ and secular humanism.

“Because no one believes in me anymore. Nowadays people just open their doors”

Keith Green: No one believes in me anymore (Satan’s boast)

We live in strange times. The West is actually becoming more spiritual and Christian ministers are reporting an increase in things like possession that are common in more spiritually ‘open’ societies. We are also experiencing persecution and oppression.

In the shadow

Notice our passage says “the shadow of the valley”

The source of light is obscured. There is an obstruction between us and the glorious son. It’s not lost, even though we are in danger.

As God’s sheep we need a defence.

As we’ve discussed we’re not dumb sheep, we’re dependent on the shepherd.

Our Defence

1. Our shepherd

Our first defence is the presence of the shepherd as described in our verse:

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.

Psalm 23:4 ESV

God is with us and strengthens us.

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

In your presence Lord I am surely free, all other company is second best to me (song).

As a consequence of the presence of the Lord, the sheep become armed and dangerous (metaphorically).

2. Our armour

In Ephesians 6, the armour of God is described. Paul draws the imagary from Isaiah.

All of these pieces of armour, giving the picture of a fully armed Roman soldier, are a consequence of experiencing the presence of God and being convicted by his word. We need to spend time with Him to put on our armour.

With such equipment we can resist evil.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

James 4:7-8 ESV

With it we can resist the wrong things in our heart and even the world around us.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be^[a] against us?

Romans 8:31

As scripture mentions many times: God will protect us, he is with us.

With God we shall do valiantly;
    it is he who will tread down our foes.

Ps 60:12

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

1 John 4:16

I fear no evil for you are with me: praise him that though we walk in dark times he is with us, arming us and protecting us.

Resources

Questions? Please contact us. Inspired? Come and worship with us on Sundays.

Songs and videos referenced

“Even though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death”.

Psalm 23:4a

This week Psalm 23 takes a much darker turn. Life is not plain sailing, and Christians aren’t exempt from life’s troubles. This psalm was written by David in one of his darkest hours. What guidance can we draw from the Good Shepherd to get through?

Our passages:  2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 & Psalm 23:4. Preacher: Ian Bayne (17th May 2020).

Watch the sermon

Recap

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalm 23:1

Verses 1-3 speak of a time of plenty. The Bible says that God will look after us as a good shepherd looks after their sheep.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 ESV

He’s given us food both physical and spiritual, through his Word.

He’s given us water which represents his cleansing: flowing out of Jesus Christ. This reminds us of the Holy Spirit poured out on us (John 7:37-39).

He’s given us rest in that our salvation not dependent on our works. In other words we don’t need to do some task in order to be saved. Salvation is done already by Jesus’s sacrifice. It is finished.

As a consequence, He’s given us regeneration: restoring us from a catastrophe in our lives: sin. We keep needing forgiveness and guidance every day of our lives. He has called us, he leads us, and he drives us onwards.

Explanation

We come now to verse 4 where the psalm takes a darker turn.

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.

Psalm 23:4 ESV

Today we’ll look at the first part of this verse. What are these valleys, and what do we need to know about them?

We can observe 4 things about spiritual valleys:

1) The valleys of life often follow blissful times.

Notice how quickly the tone of the psalm changes.

We go from the times of being full (or being more satisfied with our life) into another phase of life which is not so good. Both being in good times and bad can make us forget what happened before. The only constant we can expect is change.

2) Valleys of life come in various shapes and sizes.

The best word that can describe what we often experience is vicissitude: an unwelcome change of circumstance.

These can be natural: things that are beyond our control. This might be nature, other people’s sin, or simply a result of fallen society.

There are also manufactured vicissitudes: ones of our own making because we’re not as holy as we should be.

Valleys can be short, long, deep or shallow.

3) The valleys of life tend to obscure our picture of life.

When we are in a valley it’s hard to see outside of it. We need to be careful of this distortion when making decisions and assessing what to do.

4) The valleys of life are part of the paths of righteousness even for believers

It can be conforting to know that troubles are expected, even if we do everything right, because of natural vicissitudes. There’s no escape clause for God’s sheep. We will go through valleys as God’s sheep, with God.

There are numerous examples throughout the Bible of God’s people who are commended but suffer greatly:

• Righteous Abel is killed by unrighteous Cain (Gen 4)
• Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son Isaac (Gen 22)
• Jezabel kills Naboth to steal his vineyard (1 Kings 21)
• Job, a righteous man, loses everything (Job 1)
• David, the author of the psalm, is possibly writing this psalm when Absalom, his own son, is trying to overthrow him (2 Sam 15)

Application

What can we learn about the valleys? How can we be encouraged as God’s sheep when we discover the purpose of what we go through?

We can say that trials and difficult times:

1) Foster and nurture humility

As a sheep farmer, I built up a large flock of sheep: with thousands of sheep. One year things were going so well. The sheep were fat, having eaten lots of lush grass and there were lots of twins and triplets on the way. The sheep began giving birth. On day 12 of the birthing season there were 100-200 lambs being born in perfect weather.

But over a period of just one hour, the wind changed and a cold southerly came up from the Antarctic. Within 30 minutes 500-1000 lambs lost their lives.

It was the sudden contrast of temperature that killed them. The great drop in temperature. In 20 minutes one of the best years I had turned into one of the worst.

The result was that I was humbled. I thought that by growing my business big I would be successful.

God loves us to be humble. Humility means we have a true view of our abilities.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3 ESV

2) The valleys bring more faith and trust in the shepherd

We like to think we are in control, but at any moment God can turn things upside down. We are time takers, not time makers. Knowing that many events are out of our control, and in God’s sovereign control increases our faith in Him.

3) The valleys help us to appreciate our weakness and dependence on the shepherd.

The apostle Paul is perhaps one of the finest examples of a Christan. He battled with a persistent “thorn” that troubled him.

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.

2 Corinthians 12:7 ESV

We don’t know exactly what this thorn is. It kept him from exalting himself. Paul says that the thorn kept him humble.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV

4) the valleys help God’s sheep be world defying as well as to be eternally aspiring

We have to be careful of meaning here: we are not world-denying. We are not taught to deny our temporal existence in the world. Yet, we defy the world because when the world is not as it ought to be we still trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. The world thinks this is absurd.

We should aspire to the eternal: our eternal future with God when we leave this body behind and enter into the presence of Christ. This is what we need to fix ourselves on.

But there’s a balance. We are not told to bury or heads in the sand; becoming super spiritual and ignoring the world. We can also go the other way and become materialistic and too focused on our world.

Striking the balance

In our passage Paul makes some good comparisons between these two which can be helpful to get the balance rightL

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. [17] For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, [18] as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV

Our bodies are decaying, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day; our troubles are light compared to eternal life. Everyone listening today will die: our earth’s tents will be torn down. We will be clothed in immortality.

For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling,

2 Corinthians 5:2 ESV

The Holy Spirit is described as a pledge or a deposit given to us while we live in this world. We are present in this body, but there will come a day when we will be home with the Lord.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

Paul sums up the balance in the following passage:

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21 ESV

The difficult times help us focus on what’s important, and to put life in perspective.

Resources

Questions? Please contact us. Inspired? Come and worship with us on Sundays.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

Psalm 23:3b

As well as restoring our soul, this week, we’ll look at how the Lord calls us, leads us and even drives us, along the right paths.

Our passages:  Acts 8:1-5 & Psalm 23:3. Preacher: Ian Bayne (3rd May 2020).

Watch the Sermon

Recap

The rest and plenty described in Psalm 23:1-3 also carry a bitter side to them. This rest and plenty is so amazing because we are not as we ought to be. The events of the fall (Gen 3) brought about an ongoing tragedy for humanity, which is evident in our lives (e.g. death and suffering). We also need to be restored because of wear and tear from work and experiences. Therefore we need to constantly ask for forgiveness and strength from God.

Fortunately, God looks at our potential, not us as we are. As we are restored, we have a sense of purpose and reason to live.

Some may be reminded of the first question answered in the Westiminister Shorter Catechism: What is man’s chief aim?

To glorify God.

Westminister Catechism Question 1 answer

We enjoy meeting at least a part of this aim now. In Christ’s strength we can change and become what we are in him: holy and righteous. We’re not there yet, but it is possible.

Explanation

Today we’ll look at the second part of verse 3.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Psalm 23:3b ESV

3 points and then application:

1. Our shepherd is a qualified guide

Some years ago I went on a holiday overseas. We were part of a Tour party travelling through Italy Greece, Athens, and Ephesus. Each time we were at a place we would have a local tour guide appointed to us.

The local guide would have local experience and understanding of the local culture that was useful to us. No-one else could explain the area we were in as well.

Through life, the Lord Jesus is our guide. He is qualified to guide us because:

1) He knows his sheep very well

He knowsL

• the condition and weaknesses of his sheep
• the best path for his sheep
• what the sheep have experienced
• our current condition.

2) He’s experienced all we have experienced

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 2:17 ESV

He has experienced being human and is able to sympathise with us.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15 ESV

3) He knows the right paths to take for our safety and productivity

Our passage today states: “He guides us in paths of righteousness”. We don’t know which paths to take in life: many are frought with danger.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 14:12 ESV

From time to time we will choose ways that are wrong.

The choices before us may be good opportunities that we mustn’t miss.

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

Matthew 9:9 ESV

We have to apply some discernment to following Jesus. He was without sin: we can’t follow him on repentance from sin as He never needed to change. In these cases there are servants of the Lord we can follow and take example from:

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

Philippians 3:17 ESV

2. He guides his sheep

He guides by engaging in the moment by moment management of his sheep. Our shepherd is an intensive manager; intensive in style and substance.

In terms of belief in God, there are theists and deist. A deist believes God is hands-off: winding up the clock at the beginning of creation and then letting things run.

If we take our guide from the Bible, we can be theists:

him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Ephesians 1:11b ESV

He guides us in three ways:

1) Calling

He calls us personally, through His Word (the Bible), and through depositing the Holy Spirit in us.

When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. [5] A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

John 10:4-5 ESV

We recognise God is has spoken to us.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

All of God’s word is a signal and call to us to follow Christ.

John 16:5-13 teaches more about the Holy Spirit.

2) Leading

Jeus leads from the front: by example. His main example is sacrifice.

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Matthew 16:24 ESV

We should become living sacrifices to God.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Romans 12:1 ESV

3) Driving

We may not think of this, thinking the sheep follow along willingly. But subtly (and sometimes less subtly) He drives us on the paths we need to take.

Shepherds usually have dogs. They have a heading dog, such as a border collie which is quiet and leads the sheep on.

In NZ the shepherd also has a hunter dog which is noisy and works from the back; moving sheep that are refusing to move.

Scripture indicates that Jesus works to drive us as well.

Examples from scripture:

Joseph had 11 brothers who didn’t like him because he was the favourite, so they sold him into slavery. While in slavery he was accused of rape and put into prison.

If God had informed Joseph all that was going to come, would he have followed the path he did?

So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 45:8 ESV

God’s providence brought him to Egypt.

Moses, likewise, was called by God when he saw a burning bush. He was quite reluctant to lead God’s people out of Egypt and God had to encourage him along the way.

Esther is beautiful and brought before the king of the time. She is put there so that she may rescue the people from a coming genocide.

Jonah didn’t agree with what God wants him to do. He goes the other way. God brings him back and re-commands him.

Our passage today:

In our passage today, Stephen was the first martyr for the church. He was stoned to death, following which there was a lot of persecution. Except for the apostles three members of the church were scattered.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Acts 1:8 ESV

But by the time of Acts 8 the apostles hadn’t travelled much. Events were required to scatter them.

Acts 15:37-40 recounts a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas that caised them to split up, taking the gospel in two different directions.

God drove me into preaching. Drought, snow and family circumstances brought me into ministry. We can sometimes be a little comfortable and lazy, but God can drive us along the path we need to take.

Application

The Lord’s guidance is for us.

We need to watch out as there could be immediate danger present in our lives. That’s not a time for gentle guidance, but for immediate action.

We need to wake up. As is said: He who snoozes looses.

We lie down in green pastures so we can ruminate and be able to grow. We don’t lie down to sleep: we are not to participate in comfort for comfort’s sake.

Don’t rest on your lauerels

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. [2] Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.

Revelation 3:1-2 ESV

The church in Sardis had a name for being a successful church, but we can’t rely on past successes.

We need to keep moving forwards and we can do this with confidence as believers, using our shepherd’s wisdom.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. [6] In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Rely on God’s wisdom

Rely on God’s ways and God’s wisdom to guide you.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 ESV

Even though we may not understand what to do, God knows and we can walk on in wisdom, sometimes being driven and sometimes being called.

The paths ahead are full of hazards. There are:

• Internal issues: sin in us
• Intrinsic hazards: related to the culture and times
• Inherent hazards: present always in a fallen world.

Thank the Lord that “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Resources

Questions? Please contact us. Inspired? Come and worship with us on Sundays.