UNCERTAIN – Part 6

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Welcome to 2024
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Book: A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 – W. Phillip Keller
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Psalm 23 (NKJV) – A Psalm of David. 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 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. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.ow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

Goodness – goodness, beauty, pleasing, BEST
Mercy – steadfast love, kindness, loyalty
Follow –Rādap – follow after, pursue, hunt you down.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.—John 10:11 (ESV)

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.—1 John 3:16 (ESV)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”—Isaiah 52:7 (ESV)

”Do I leave behind peace in lives-or turmoil?”
“Do I leave behind forgiveness – or bitterness?”
“Do I leave behind contentment -or conflict?”
“Do I leave behind flowers of  joy —or frustration?”
“Do I leave behind love -or hate?”

The only real, practical measure of my appreciation for the goodness and mercy of God to me is the extent to which I am, in turn, prepared to show goodness and mercy to others.—William Keller

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Actually, what is referred to by house is the family or household or flock of the Good Shepherd. The sheep is so deeply satisfied with the flock to which it belongs, with the ownership of this particular shepherd, that it has no wish to change.—William Keller

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.—John 10:9 (ESV)

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.—John 14:3 (ESV)

It is the sheep owner’s presence that guarantees there will be no lack of any sort; there will be abundant green pastures; there will be still, clean waters; there will be new paths into fresh fields; there will be safe summers on the high tablelands; there will be freedom from fear; there will be antidotes for flies and disease and parasites; there will be quietness and contentment.—William Keller

Conclusion:

Throughout Psalm 23 we have the revelation of God’s provision and protection. His purpose is to bring us into His house, His presence, forever. To do that He rests us with His salvation; He feeds us with Himself; He gives us His Spirit to quench our thirst; He renews our soul and guides our steps in His way. This world, however, is fallen and evil, so the Lord protects us with His presence and power even in death’s shadow. Moreover, we celebrate in front of our enemies, and are pursued by God’s goodness and mercy throughout our lifetime. The goal through all is to be before Him forever.—Donald Williams