You did create that! People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them? One afternoon he was preparing to board a train to London when he spotted a man in ragged, dirty clothing begging for money from passengers along the station platform. . Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Not sure what you know about sheep but lets just say that without the shepherd there, the sheep would find themselves in desperate need of protection and provision. This is a Psalm of David and David was a shepherd. The Lord is my Shepherd. A. He was fighting on a stretch of land for days on end. But there they were, eating together at a table, or at least on the ground, in the presence of an enemy. It would be so wonderful if God would simply promise to us that we would never go through difficult times. 5 Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death. The value of the words and their expression at the end of life is well established. Scripture is clear if you want to know this Savior, to know this shepherd who must turn from living life for yourself and trust in Jesus as the Good Shepherd to lead you through life. That does not mean we are without hope. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art . Psalm 23:1-2 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. God had called Abraham from his homeland and brought him to the land of Israel, which He promised to give to him and his descendants. 0000003817 00000 n Last Sunday my wife and I were in South Carolina on the way to church when we received the news that Ashley had died. After extended conversation, the two armies agreed to pool some of their food together for a Christmas meal. The Lord protects, guides, and supports us. One image comes from the verse, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Where do you need to study Gods word, so you are better prepared for Gods will? Shepherd need a shepherd and sheep dog team who know them and who claim them. John the Baptist was a prophet, the prophet whose privilege it was to introduce Jesus of Nazareth as God's Messiah. And then he would tell me about you Z., and you M., and you O., and you R., and you A., and you too T. You all are the threads woven throughout his matrix. He leads me beside still waters. My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. The Lord is my shepherd is a reminder of how well God knows us, how intimately and intuitively. He restores my soul. Here goes. God is bigger than any problem we will ever face in life. In fact, 32 separate times through the Bible, we hear about God or Jesus as the good shepherd. It is, rather, proof that the light is also here. God provided so well for him that he lacked nothing. Psalm 23 teaches us that we, as followers of Christ, have no reason to fearever. Others can truly identify with David, and the peace and security which he knew and cherished. Do we know our children and spouses well enough to know what delights their hearts? His son who was standing by his bedside said, No, no, father, you are dreaming. We were only two weeks into our time in Zambia when I attended my first funeral, that of a young child of a young family who would become our friends. We have studied and loved as families, have had varying food needs and companionship needs. At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now. a.) The proof of that is not in what I say but in the life Ashley lived. Second, David's faith rested in the fact that God was His shepherd. Thank you Jerry. I am sorry for that. Those who belong to the Good Shepherd receive a lavish welcome when they arrive home. How might we understand the relationship between the sheepdog and sheep? I am glad it added a new dimension for you. - Order of Christian Funerals, General Introduction, nos. The first image is that of a shepherd and his sheep. Its a way forward. are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Isaiah 53:6 says: All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. To honestly and earnestly say that there are those without homes in our community, and what they need is significant assistance of housing, food, guidance in budgeting and job skills, encouragement, and support, so they can live a full life in their own space and place. /ViewerPreferences 42 0 R He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Not like you lecturing yourself, but rather praying into the hope that the day will come when you and I might say with fully certainty I shall not want. I dont. 0000031987 00000 n And so is Thomas question, How can we know the way (John 14:1-6)? Having trouble logging into your account? You see, Jesus was grieving. Today, I invite you to respond to each want that rises up inside you with I shall not want. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. My cup overflows. Jesus was always to be our shepherd. He had come to trust in God as the One who was able to raise the dead. Until that day comes when the light pierces the shadow and it will our challenge, our hope, and our way forward is to put one foot in front of the other. Scripture: Psalm 25:8-9. You must know and love the sheep. I want. Funeral Messages for Believers. There can be no shadow without light. John 10:26-28: You do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. He was an American, but he had actually enlisted with the British army and was fighting in the war for quite some time before most Americans. The pastor should take time to talk with the family of the deceased before the funeral and learn something about him/her. He was truly a miracle child. << Man's fear of death is well-rounded. They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: God is calling me, and I must go. Your honesty and hope are perfect. He was at peace because he knew the Good Shepherd would lead him home. I know that I preach as much or more to myself as to anyone else. It brings comfort and encouragement to all who read it. Psalm 23:1-3, 4, 5, 6. Ps 23:3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His names sake. God is close to us and cares for us as a shepherd cares for his sheep. David tells us that goodness follows us all the days of our lives. God has the ability to provide for us. Into an unbroken calm; and find it - glory? We thank the Lord for another beautiful Sunday morning that He has given us. The rest have no hope. Now as we mourn the loss of our departed sister in Christ; we know that our loss is heavens gain. Monday: In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem. Matthew 2:1. God is frequently described in the Bible as being like a shepherd who cares for and tends to a flock of sheep. God allows us to share in His glory. Years ago I met a veteran of World War I. But as a preacher of the gospel, it is also my obligation to remind you that our eternal destiny is not determined by the ratio of our good deeds to our faults and failures, which the Bible more frankly calls sin. How often are you and I in that place? This is what the Good Shepherd has done for us. Psalm 23:5-6 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. We can now see that the Good Shepherd became a sheep (like David). Psalm 23 is a passage that tends to stay with us for the whole of life. This is the best funeral sermon Ive ever read/heard for a tragic death. I was scrolling through her Facebook page and noticed this fun tradition of pie-ing someone in the face at the Waffle House. Can you honestly say, the Lord is my Shepherd? He was heartbroken to hear what happened to John. We trust in the good shepherd. The Good Shepherd provided for all His needs. He infected us with his life, and helped us to see the light. 76 0 obj If you know anything about that period of history, you may remember that these armies hated one another. David knew that he had received God's lavish care all his life. The final verses indicate God's foresight for those who believe in and abide by him. by the Rev. Biblically, prophets shine the light on Jesus as the Good Shepherd. 2009-2023 Michael K. Marsh and Interrupting The Silence, All Rights Reserved. Twenty years ago, I could have used the name of Joshua in passing, but not so today. xref The psalm begins, ''The Lord is my shepherd'' (v. 1). (a) It is impossible for there to be a valley unless there are mountains. It is already a present reality. Sin, our sin separated from God and in that caused what God had made, fallen. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Even today, prophets point us back to God. 3. From the Lectionary for Mass, no. We want happiness. God knows our limits. The rod is used by a shepherd to ward off evil and to direct the sheep as they walk. /Info 41 0 R xc```b``y l@3 w;`p3BVl%856Z| Md@#GMJ}l$@-'O b.) Abraham is perhaps one of the most well-known Old Testament patriarchs. Do we know those we live with well enough to know when they are struggling, before they have admitted to themselves? For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, because 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. I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? In the next few moments, I want to offer to you the hope which David experienced, and which he expressed in Psalm 23. But all of this was because David knew the Lord. Death was defeated by the Lamb who was slain, and who rose again. We come, knowing that we, too, shall experience death. This was our . - Psalms 23:6. If I Could Start All Over Six Lessons for Your Twenties. 0000002293 00000 n Both are essential. It is that eternal and everlasting life that gives us hope even in death that we might see Your Son. Its ok to miss her. We come to You and ask for Your divine presence in this place today and grant to us Your Spirit of comfort. Thank you. It is in moments like this that I have no answers, explanations, or understanding for myself or for you. God promised to bless Abraham through his offspring. As I was thinking about Joyce's life, her faith, and a Scripture to read, a passage came to my mind that Joyce read many, many times. Scripture: He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yet the promise that God has already given us eternal life with him sustains us in our journey and gives substance to our hope. In other words, God provides a place of rest for us. Have you personally received Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God and as your Good Shepherd? Friday: They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet. Matthew 2:5. 3 Tests Of Plagiarism: Do Your Sermons Pass Them. They had sang songs of Christs birth together. I am increasingly careful about the terms I use in preaching. The fighting stopped, and all was quiet. Psalm 23:1-2 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ii) Psalm 23 is in between two "mountain" Psalms. David wrote this Psalm from personal experience because he too was a shepherd. Credit will be given to Rev. . At 4:30 am on Monday morning the Good Shepherd lead our brother to paradise. Ive experienced that in my own life. But there is another reality, a greater reality. /H [ 1248 406 ] I want you to learn to smile at death. For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? /Filter /FlateDecode Psalm 23 reminds us that life has difficult moments, but ultimately, we find protection and joy. When the beggar approached and asked if the man could spare a few shillings, the businessman realized he had found his long lost son, crying " A few shillings? 25-26. Why do they need a shepherd? Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me . Not only did she have her family, she had the Holy Spirit of God at her side, like a shepherd who kept close watch on her. Its what attracted you and me to him. Thank you Fr. In the Old Testament, the sins of Israel were temporarily atoned for by the sacrifice of a lamb. Death should cause us to mourn. Sometimes they talk about memorizing it at school. As we sit in this room, and mourn but also celebrate the life of Brandy, our soul feels dead, it feels no joy or rest. My joy and delight is to share with you how you can exchange the fear of death for the faith of David. Amen. - Romans 6:23". 23 (READ). The length of the walk becomes insignificant once the discovery is made that the journey is only temporary. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. We lift up the Tebbe Family and friends to You today and ask that Your peace, mercy and strength might rest with them during this time of sorrow and loss. It is like trying to spray perfume on a bag of trash and expecting it to remove the smell. Jesus also said that he was a shepherdthe Good Shepherd. But Abraham and Sarah were unable to bear children. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD Psalm 23 is the best-known psalm in the book of Psalms. Ive seen it happen in the lives of others. 1983. Verse 6 summarizes really well the life of those who follow the Good Shepherd. 1 Keller, Phillip. 1 Peter 2:25: For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. All those who trust in Him lose their fear of death and find the faith, peace, and hope of which David writes. a. He did it by dying on a cross and raising from the dead. He knows the way and He will personally lead you home if you are His sheep. Dont try to ignore it or pretend it didnt happen. c.) God will allows us to share in His eternal victory. On at least one more occasion, Abraham and Sarah lied again. I. a closer walk psalm 23 philippians 4:13 july 15, 2018 . Has your soul been restored? What Is The Songline Of Your Life? We are here this evening for the joyful funeral of Mrs. Eloise Roop. INTRODUCTION: We are in the middle of a three week series on this Psalm, and we are looking at what it means to have the Lord as your shepherd. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Psalm 23:2-3 ESV. How can a lost sheep be restored to the fold? Psalm 23 reminds us that life has difficult moments, but ultimately, we find protection and joy. Marsh,. he would say again. That greater reality is what illumined his life and made him so tender hearted. Whether it is Psalm 23, John 14, the last verse of Psalm 17, or a thousand other Bible passages, God's Word is powerful and will do its work. 15 Outstanding Quotes To Recharge Your Preaching. No, this couldnt have happened. The LORD watches over you--the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. However, that seemed to me to be off kilter somehow. Psalm 23 has become a daily adventure for me as I try to imagine what it means for me each day. The promise of God's provision, sins forgiven, a constant companion and a home in heaven only applies to those who know Him. Psalm 23 Funeral sermon: A Letter to the Deceased (Molin) I knew there would be many voices heard today, sharing stories and memories; laughter and tears with you who knew and loved Steve. Presbyterian/Reformed. He took on human flesh and lived among men. 2 http://www.workingpreacher.org/craft.aspx?post=1498. He took our sickness and placed it upon himself so that we might live. That is our way through the valley of the shadow of death. Fix your eyes on Jesus, your Good Shepherd. From where is my help to come? (Psalm 121) are no longer the psalmists words. 0000000017 00000 n She was married to James Roop on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1994. Psalm 23. The light is always shining behind the shadow, and the shadow will never overcome it. Click here for more messages from the Psalm 23 Series. Exchanging the fear of death for faith in Jesus Christ is a personal decision. Psalm 23:4: Comfort Through the Rod and Staff: F. B. Meyer, B. Awakening from a sleep, he said, Earth recedes, Heaven opens before me. 2. It was only a test, but Abraham did not know it. Next, David had to run for his own life, (1 Samuel 23:1-29).When God guided David to the throne he actually walked him through the valley of the shadow of death, (as a shepherd leads his flock to green pastures over the valley of death) and God's hand of deliverance was over him even in the valley of death. Dont forget the jokes, or the way she would make you feel when she was around you. they are like the new grass of the morning: This is the good news of the gospel, of which the writer to the Hebrews is speaking. The Lord is my shepherd -. In Psalm 23, David is saying, "The Lord is to me what I've been to my sheep. Psalm 23 is not the only passage in the Bible that compares the Lord to a shepherd. B. It is in moments like this that I face the fact that death is an everyday reality. Required fields are marked *. 13 Psalm 23 - Lord Shepherd - Helen Abercrombie 1998 (MLM) - page 2 www.scholia.net shepherd; I shall not want. They are mine. A mother was asked by a census-taker how many children she had. We want to know that we can depend on God and the way God cares for us. Psalm 23:4: Deep Shades: A. S. Brooke. The Lord Jesus Christ then died for our sins, and suffered the penalty, our penalty, of death. The Lord is my shepherd: This psalm starts right at the core of things, naming who God is, and who we are. Scriptures: To pay tribute: We have come to honor a life well lived, a life that has touched many and served even more. 0000004086 00000 n If you knew her, you are blessed for having that opportunity. << or: R/. Now, if he must put this son to death, God would raise him. Some call that light God or Jesus. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. It is the greater reality of today. We received that news with overwhelming shock and disbelief. Family and friends of Phyllis May (Horstman) Sahlstrom, we gather, grieving the loss of one we love and will miss. 0000019551 00000 n These two tribes were continually fighting. And thus, those who trust in Him need no longer fear death. 0000001149 00000 n To get sheep to rest, they must be free from fear and sickness, there must be no worry among them, they must not be aggravated by the weather conditions, and they can't be hungry. He had fascinating stories to tell, and one of them was about a battle that had taken place in Europe. God will never leave us or forsake - He is always there for us. The Christian can do even more than this. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. A Psalm of David. What also works for me is the reminder each day that the Lord IS my shepherd as I make my way down the path. It seems too hard. 0000019083 00000 n b.) I mentioned earlier that death was not apart of Gods plan. God is loving, and present, fiercely and tenderly holding all of us whom God lovingly created. 0000001248 00000 n He leads me beside quiet waters. For a long time they failed to bring peace. He's the one who has made the way. How can the Lord become your Shepherd? Consider these words, from the pen of the unknown author of the New Testament Book of Hebrews: Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives (Hebrews 2:14-15). Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd. Instead, the desire of sheep to be led comes through. , we are told that when Jesus heard the news about John, he got on a boat and went to head to a desolate place. I love the imagery you created with light and shadow. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; He does not just say that the Lord is a shepherd. I want to share with you a passage of scripture that has been a source of comfort for many people. Our lives are always being shepherded. She was born on June 14, 1946. On this first anniversary of my fathers death, it is especially comforting to me. They are your questions too. And you wont be surprised when I tell you this. This is part of what led faith leaders in our area to discern a need for Family Promise. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, What also works for me is the reminder each day that "the Lord IS my shepherd" as I make my way down the path. There are two images that the Psalmist paints for us. Bob Ingle. i) Psalm 23:4 (1) David talks about a valley. Psalm 23 Funeral Meditation. Old Testament, the desire of sheep is part of what led faith leaders in our journey and gives to. Continually fighting personally received Jesus Christ is a reminder of how well God knows,. Area to discern a need for family promise, of death, I you. Testament, the Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want passage! 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