Psalm 23

• This is a time of great developments and great losses in our country.
• We are frightened, insecure, and unsure about the destiny of our country.
• We need to hear the music of Psalm 23.

The Good Shepherd Restores Me.

• Illustration: The music of Handel and Thelonius Monk addresses the life situation of that day.

The Good Shepherd Leads Me.

• We are called to take the paths of duty.
• Illustration: Taylor 's mother once compelled him to go and make peace with his friend.

The Good Shepherd Is with Me.

• Our very beings are tested and tried in the valley of the shadow of death.
• Illustration: On the road between Montego Bay and beautiful Kingston , Jamaica , there is a shadowy place called Fern Gully.

The Good Shepherd Prepares a Table for Me.

• In the presence of disease, fear, and uncertainty, he prepares a place of communion for me.
•  In thinking about this statement, it is well to bear in mind that the sheep are
  approaching the high mountain country of the summer ranges. These are known
  as alplands or tablelands, so much sought after by sheepmen.
• the use of this word is not
  uncommon in referring to the high, flat-topped plateaux of the continent. . . .So
  it may be seen that what David referred to as a table was actually the entire
  high summer range.

". . . In some of the
finest sheep country of the world, the high plateaux of the sheep ranges were
always referred to as mesas -- the Spanish word for 'tables.' Oddly enough,
the African word for a table is also mesa, . . . the use of this word is not
uncommon in referring to the high, flat-topped plateaux of the continent. . . .So
it may be seen that what David referred to as a table was actually the entire
high summer range. Though these mesas may have been remote and hard to
reach, the energetic and aggressive sheep owner takes the time and trouble to
ready them for the arrival of his flocks. . . .Early in the season, even before all
the snow has melted . . . he will go ahead and make preliminary survey trips
into this rough, wild country. He will look it over with great care, keeping
ever in mind its best use for his flock during the coming season. Then just
before the sheep arrive, he will make another expedition or two to prepare
the tableland for them. He takes along a supply of salt and minerals to be
distributed over the range at strategic spots for the benefit of the sheep during
the summer. . . . He clears out water holes, springs and drinking places for his
stock. . . . Another task the attentive shepherd takes on in the summer is to keep
an eye out for predators. He will look for signs of wolves, coyotes, cougars
and bears. If these raid or molest the sheep he will have to hunt them down or
go to great pains to trap them so that his flock can rest in peace. . . . Often what

actually happens is that these crafty ones are up on the rimrock watching every

• movement the sheep make, hoping for a chance to make a swift, sneaking attack
  that will stampede the sheep. . . . Only the alertness of the sheepman who tends
  his flock on the tableland in full view of possible enemies can prevent them
  from falling prey to attack. It is only his preparation for such an eventuality that
  can possibly save the sheep from being slaughtered and panicked by their
  predators." (Keller)

Conclusion:

• Christ entered the context of humanity and became my shepherd.
• Thanks be to God for the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.