June 12 2016 Did you see Gods Glory

June 12, 2016 Did you see God’s Glory this week?

More than we deserve! Psalms 23

More than we deserve! Psalms 23

GETTING MORE THAN WE DESERVE PSALMS 23 Jesus showed time and time again that He would and could provide for those who followed Him (John 10: 11 -18). Just as a shepherd provides for the sheep, so does Jesus as The Good Shepherd provide for His followers. No better description of this exist than Psalms 23. • David is an old man when he wrote Psalms 23. He has seen tragedies and disappointments, but he also has come to know God-a Good Shepherd who gives to his children more than they deserve or imagine.

The good shepherd provides: According to David! Provision-I have all that I need. Peace-I have rest from a weary journey. Protection-I have safety from my enemies. Presence-I have a companion when the way is lonely. Paradise-I have a home awaiting me in heaven. What the Shepherd does: Outline of Psalms 23 • 1) He knows me. 23: 1 a “My Shepherd” • 2) He provides me. 23: 1 b-3 a • 3) He restores me. 23: 3 a • 4) He guides me. 23: 3 b

5) He protects me. 23: 4 a 6) He comforts me. 23: 4 b 7) He exalts me. 23: 5 -6

Psalms 23: 2, “He make me lie down in green pastures. ” Pastures of tender grass, where flocks lie down for rest. It is used of flocks that lie down on the grass “fully fed” or satisfied, ” their wants being completely supplied. The point of the poet is that of a flock in young and luxuriant grass, surround by abundance and experiencing calm contentment and refreshing rest. • You see the poet David is not only speaking of food, but of being lead to rest, and opportunity to enjoy tranquility, peace, and safety. “He leads me, ” lest I should wander and perish. In Hebrew, He leads me sweetly and gently, accommodating himself to my infirmities, as shepherds do to their sheep. (Gen. 33: 13, Isaiah 40: 11; 49: 10).

Where there are both delight and plenty. The loveliest image afforded by the natural world is here represented to the imagination; that of a flock feeding in flush green meadows, and resting in quietness by the rivers of water running gently through them. *It is selected to convey an idea of the provisions made for the souls as well as bodies of men by His goodness. • By a God (Good Shepherd), who opens His hands and gives all His sheep more than is needed and more than they deserve. • The message being whether applied to the psalmist himself, or to the people of God generally, that the wants of the soul are met and satisfied, and that, in the full enjoyment of this, there is a conviction of abundance-the rest of the soul at present satisfied and feelings of want will always be unknown.

David knew that God was beneath him in green pastures, besides him in still waters, before him at the table, behind him pursuing him with goodness and mercy, beyond him preparing a heavenly home, and with him all the while as the Good Shepherd. David knew that of God and also that he had been given more than he deserved.

Knowing God, David understood: 1) God’s goodness comes from His nature, not our worthiness. 2) God’s love comes from His character, not our virtue. *David’s word for God’s tender affection is a term used in the ancient world to mean love that flows out of deep emotion rather than duty. It’s kind and gentle love. God’s nature is to love -sacrificially, selflessly, extravagantly-beyond out wildest expectations and imaginations.

Church this is ours from the hand of God, if He is our Shepherd like David’s. Have we claimed Him? Do we follow Him? Do we listen to His voice? Do we know Him and understand He is beneath us, beside us, before us, behind us, beyond us and with us. ( John 10) If the answer is yes! Then you know your getting more than you deserve because of His nature of goodness, and His love because of His character. The issue some times is seeing it.