Preparing For The Lord's Day

preparing

Preparing for the Lord's Day

Psalm 23 begins with a powerful and meaningful confession of faith, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Guidance, provision, and protection of life are entrusted to the Lord God alone who cares for his people as a shepherd cares for his sheep. The title of shepherd was given not only to those who literally cared for sheep, but in the ancient Near East, was also applied to royal leaders. As such both the Lord and his appointed kings are referred to as shepherds. James Mays in his commentary on the Psalms explains,

In narrative, song, and prophecy the Lord is called the shepherd of Israel, his flock (Gen. 49:24; Pss. 28:9; 74:1; 95:7; 100:3; Jer. 31:10; Micah 7:14). The Lord made David his undershepherd (Ps. 78:70-72), and the kings of Israel were judged as shepherds (Jer. 23:1-4; 49:20; Micah 5:4). The title had special associations with the Lord’s leading and protecting in the wilderness (Pss. 77:20; 78:52-53; 80:1) and in the return from the exile (Isa 40:11; 49:9-10).  

As such when the Lord Jesus identified himself as the Good Shepherd his followers understood that he was the promised king who would care for his people as the ideal shepherd promised in Psalm 23. For it is the Lord Jesus who provides and protects his people. He gives to them life even at the expense of his own life. And what we will see in our Psalm for this week is that if you would know the blessing of the Good Shepherd’s care you must trust the Shepherd’s path. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Psalm 23, Psalm 28:9, Ezekiel 37:24, Micah 5:2-4, John 10:11, Hebrews 13:20,1 Peter 5:4, Revelation 7:15-17 and Westminster Confession of Faith 17.  

As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Come, Christians, Join to Sing, the Acclamation of Praise “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” and the Hymn of Response “All the Way My Savior Leads Me.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him! 

If you’re going to be out of town this Sunday, let me encourage you to listen to the sermon online, through the Rivermont App, (available at the App Store or Google Play), or you can download the REPC podcast, which will be delivered to your mobile device.  

Sermon Information: 

Text: Psalm 23

Title: Trusting the Shepherd’s Path

Outline:

  1. We Must Trust the Shepherd’s Purpose (vv. 2-3)
  2. We Must Trust the Shepherd’s Presence (v. 4)
  3. We Must Trust the Shepherd’s Provision (v. 5)
  4. We Must Trust the Shepherd’s Promise (v. 6)

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