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Psalm 23 - Kristie
Sermon Summary
Kristie emphasises that Jesus, as the good shepherd, is a dependable, safe, and predictable God who contrasts with the fickle and corrupt idols of the world, inviting us to follow Him and experience the fullness of Psalm 23 in our lives
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Psalm 23 offers a vision of God that stands in stark contrast to the gods and idols of the ancient world—and the idols that still vie for our attention today. While the gods of Greece, Rome, and Canaan were unpredictable, self-serving, and often demanded ever-increasing sacrifices, the God revealed in Psalm 23 is a shepherd: dependable, safe, and intimately involved with his people. This shepherd does not rule with a trident or lightning bolt, but with care, guidance, and sacrificial love. The invitation is not to appease a distant deity, but to walk closely with a God who knows us, provides for us, and leads us through every season—green pastures and dark valleys alike.
Throughout history, humanity has been tempted to create gods in our own image—idols that promise much but deliver little, demanding more and more of our attention, affection, and resources. The Israelites faced this temptation with Baal, Ashtoreth, and Moloch, and we face it today with the distractions and false securities of modern life. Yet, the God of Psalm 23 is not made by human hands. He is the one true God, whose character is unchanging and whose promises are sure.
Jesus fulfils the vision of the good shepherd in a way that is radically countercultural. In a world obsessed with power and control, Jesus lays down his life for the sheep. He is not a hired hand who abandons us in trouble, but the shepherd who knows us by name and calls us to follow him. His voice is steady and trustworthy, inviting us into a life without lack—a life marked by his presence, provision, and peace.
The challenge is to recognise the subtle idols that still capture our hearts and to say “yes” to the good shepherd. Even when prayer feels hard or God’s voice seems distant, the invitation remains: keep walking with him. He is with us, guiding, protecting, and restoring us. As we reflect on Psalm 23, we are invited to listen for the characteristic of God that he wants to impress upon our hearts today, and to respond to his call to deeper intimacy and trust.
Key Takeaways
1. God as the Countercultural Shepherd: Unlike the fickle, self-serving gods of ancient myth, the God of Psalm 23 is a shepherd who values, protects, and lovingly leads his people. This image challenges us to reject the idols of our age—whether ancient or modern—and to embrace a God whose power is expressed through care and presence, not domination or unpredictability.
2. Dependability in a World of Uncertainty: The good shepherd is utterly dependable, providing for his people in every circumstance. Just as God led Israel through the wilderness with provision and guidance, he remains steadfast in our lives today, offering nourishment, direction, and faithfulness across generations. Reflecting on God’s dependability invites us to trust him more deeply, especially when other sources of security fail.3. Safety and Comfort in the Darkest Valleys: God’s presence transforms even the darkest valleys into places of comfort and safety. The promise is not the absence of hardship, but the assurance that we are never alone—his rod and staff guide and protect us. This reality invites us to bring our fears and anxieties to him, knowing that his love casts out fear and his presence brings peace.
4. The Predictable, Unchanging Character of God: In contrast to idols that are unpredictable and demanding, God reveals himself as consistent and trustworthy. His commands and promises are clear, written “in stone,” and his character does not shift with the winds of culture or circumstance. This predictability is a foundation for our faith, allowing us to rest in the knowledge that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
5. The Invitation to Walk with the Good Shepherd: Jesus, the fulfilment of Psalm 23, invites us not to appease him with sacrifices, but to follow him in relationship. The journey is not always easy, and there are seasons when prayer feels dry or God’s voice is hard to hear. Yet, the invitation remains: keep walking, keep listening, and trust that the good shepherd is with us, restoring and transforming us as we go.
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