This sermon, delivered during the Advent season, offers an in-depth analysis of Psalm 23 (KJV), presenting Jesus Christ as the ultimate, personal Savior—not merely a generic rescuer, but one who seeks a relationship with us. Using the shepherd-and-sheep metaphor, the speaker illustrates humanity’s need for guidance, protection, and restoration—needs that Christ fulfills. The message explores how God leads, restores, and protects believers through life’s darkest moments, symbolized by the “valley of the shadow of death,” and emphasizes that Christ’s presence turns trials into passages we can get “through” by the power of the cross. It concludes by highlighting the lavish, abundant, and eternal nature of God’s care, urging the congregation to use Advent for spiritual preparation and reflection on the full meaning of Christ’s coming—His birth, His life, and His promised return.
Knowledge Points
- Advent Season and the Savior
- The term “Advent” comes from the Latin “Adventus,” meaning “coming” or “arrival.”
- It is a season of preparation for two comings: the birth of Christ and His promised second coming at the end of time.
- It is a time for spiritual preparation, reflection, and repentance—similar to the season before Easter—focusing on hope, peace, joy, and love. Defining Christ as Savior
- Psalm 23 points to the coming of Christ as our Savior.
- A savior is a rescuer who saves someone from harm, danger, or a condition they cannot escape on their own.
- Christ is more than a generic savior (like a fireman or policeman) with whom one might have no personal relationship.
- Christ is a true, personal Savior who desires a relationship with us.
- Psalm 23: The Lord Our Shepherd Humanity’s Need for a Shepherd (Like Sheep)
- The psalm uses the shepherd-and-sheep metaphor to describe Christ’s relationship with believers.
- Sheep are prone to wandering, easily frightened, and cannot survive on their own; they cannot fight predators or easily find food.
- Similarly, humans cannot save themselves and are prone to wandering and becoming spiritually lost when left on their own. Provision and Restoration (Verses 1–3)
- “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.”
- The shepherd provides safety; sheep lie down only when secure. God calms our chaotic souls.
- “Restoration” implies something broken. Sin breaks our relationship with God, but our Savior restores us and breathes new life into us. Guidance into Righteous Paths (Verse 3)
- “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
- God has plans to prosper us, not harm us, so we can trust His guidance.
- We are led on righteous paths not because of our own righteousness, but because of God’s good and righteous nature—so others can see what God has done. Comfort in Darkness (Verse 4)
- “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.”
- The psalm shifts from talking about God to talking to God, highlighting a personal relationship.
- The “valley of the shadow of death” represents life’s difficult, frightening times. Shepherds used a rod for protection against predators and a staff (crook) to rescue straying sheep.
- Christ walked through death for us and conquered it, so we do not face it alone. The valley becomes a passage, not a prison. The Power of “Though” and “Through”
- The speaker references Reverend Sweet’s sermon highlighting “though” and “through.”
- “Though” we find ourselves in trouble, we will get “through” it.
- The difference is the letter “R.” In sign language, “R” is formed by crossing fingers, symbolizing the cross.
- It is the cross of Christ that gets us “through” tough times—not luck (like crossing fingers for good luck). Lavish Provision and Blessing (Verse 5)
- “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over.”
- A shepherd anoints a sheep’s head with oil to heal wounds and protect from insects.
- In ancient times, anointing a guest’s head with oil signified blessing at a banquet; a host kept a guest’s cup full, and an empty cup signaled the end of the feast.
- God provides a feast even amidst our enemies, and our cup “runneth over,” signifying lavish, abundant blessing and that God never tires of our presence. Eternal Faithfulness and Mercy (Verse 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.”
- Unlike a one-time rescuer, a shepherd never leaves his sheep. Jesus promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- This promise extends beyond this life into the afterlife. Jesus promised His disciples He was going to prepare a place for them.
- We are assured of an eternal home with God.
- Attributes of a True Savior A Comprehensive Savior
- Christ is provider, guide, restorer, healer, and protector.
- He comforts, shows compassion, and does not abandon us. God’s Ultimate Control
- The Book of Job and Jesus’ words to Peter show that Satan must ask God’s permission before afflicting believers.
- This demonstrates that God is always in control; whatever happens, He is with us and will get us through it. Giver of Abundant Life
- Jesus came not just to give life, but to give “abundant life.” He wants what is best for us. Involved and Eternal Savior
- He is faithful, merciful, eternal, and actively involved in our lives—not distant.
Assignments
- During Advent, draw close to God through prayer and reflection on all that Christ has done.Spiritually prepare your heart, mind, and spirit for the celebration of Christ’s birth and for His promised second coming.
- Remember that Advent is about Christ’s birth, life, death, resurrection, and the promise of His return.