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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.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: The Lord is My Shepherd—A Countercultural God of Care
Scripture:
Psalm 23:1 NIV
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
Unlike the fickle and self-serving gods of ancient mythologies, the God revealed in Psalm 23 is a shepherd who lovingly cares for, values, and leads His people. He is not distant or unpredictable, but intimately involved, guiding His flock to green pastures and still waters, restoring souls, and providing comfort and protection. This image stands in stark contrast to the idols of the world, both ancient and modern, reminding us that our God is defined by His steadfast love and personal attention to each of us.
Reflection:
What is one way you can intentionally rest in the care of your Good Shepherd today, trusting Him with a specific worry or need?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Good Shepherd—dependable, safe, and full of love. Fill my heart with peace, confidence, and hope as I follow the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Day 2: The Futility of Idols—Choosing the Living God
Scripture:
Psalm 115:4-5 NIV
But their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
Devotional:
The idols of the world, whether ancient statues or modern distractions, promise much but deliver little, demanding ever-increasing sacrifices while remaining silent and powerless. Psalm 115 exposes the emptiness of these false gods, contrasting them with the living God who sees, hears, and acts on behalf of His people. The call is to turn away from anything that captures our devotion and attention more than God, and to trust in the One who alone is worthy and dependable.
Devotion to things that are not God bring distraction and call for "small offerings" that subtly draw your attention from God.
Reflection:
What “small offerings” or distractions in your life are subtly drawing your focus away from God, and how can you say “no” to them today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being my dependable, safe, and predictable shepherd who lays down His life for me; help me to turn away from the fleeting and powerless idols of this world and instead follow You wholeheartedly, trusting in Your love and guidance each day. Amen.
Day 3: Jesus, the Good Shepherd—Laying Down His Life
Scripture:
John 10:11 NIV
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Devotional:
Jesus fulfils the promise of Psalm 23 by declaring Himself the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, calls them by name, and willingly lays down His life for them. Unlike hired hands or false gods, Jesus is present, sacrificial, and deeply invested in the wellbeing of His flock. He does not require us to bow down in fear to Him, or appease Him with empty rituals, but He calls us to follow Him in a relationship marked by love, trust, and belonging.
Reflection:
In what area of your life do you need to trust Jesus’ sacrificial love for you, and how can you respond to His invitation to “come, follow me” today?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrificial love and unwavering care. May I follow You closely, trusting in Your promise to lead me into abundant life and eternal safety.
Day 4: God’s Unchanging Character—Dependable, Safe, and Predictable
Scripture:
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Devotional:
God’s character is steadfast and unchanging, unlike the unpredictable gods and idols of the world. He is dependable, leading His people faithfully through every season, and safe, offering comfort and protection even in the darkest valleys. His promises are sure, written in stone and fulfilled in Christ, and He invites us to walk with Him in confidence, knowing that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Reflection:
Where have you seen God’s faithfulness and consistency in your life, and how can remembering this help you face uncertainty or fear today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You that You are my dependable, safe, and predictable shepherd who never changes and always cares for me with love and compassion. I trust in Your unchanging character, knowing You will lead me, protect me, and provide for me every step of the way.
Day 5: Hearing the Shepherd’s Voice—Invitation to Deeper Relationship
Scripture:
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Devotional:
The Good Shepherd desires to speak to His sheep, guiding, comforting, and revealing His character to each one personally. Even when prayer feels difficult or God’s voice seems distant, the invitation remains to keep walking with Him, to listen for His voice in His Word, and to ask Him to speak anew. God wants to reveal a specific aspect of His character to you today—will you listen and receive?
Reflection:
As you reflect on God’s character today, what is one way you can intentionally listen for His voice—through scripture, prayer, or quietness—and respond to what He reveals?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my dependable, safe, and predictable Good Shepherd who lovingly leads me into abundant life; may I recognise your voice today and walk closely with you, trusting in your constant presence and care. Amen.
Day 6: Embracing the Safe Presence of the Good Shepherd
Scripture:
Psalm 23:4 NIV
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Today, meditate on the safety we find in God's presence. No matter how dark or challenging our circumstances, we are not alone. The good shepherd walks with us through the darkest valleys, offering comfort and protection. His rod and staff are symbols of His care—correcting, guiding, and shielding us from harm.
Rest in the truth that the Lord is with you, and His presence dispels fear.
Reflection:
How has God's presence brought you safety in difficult times? Are there areas where you need to trust more in His protection?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for walking with me through the valleys. Please help me to feel Your comfort and trust in Your protection. When fear tries to take hold, remind me that You are with me, and I am safe in Your care. Amen.
Day 7: Saying No to Modern Idols
Scripture:
1 Samuel 12:21 NIV
Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless.
Devotional:
Today, we are reminded of the one true God who leads, cares for, and provides for His people.
Our society has created its own idols. These include the idols of success, wealth, social media, comfort, and control. They promise fulfillment but often leave us empty and broken.
The invitation is clear: follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and cares for them. When we listen to His voice and walk with Him, we find everything we truly need—peace, purpose, and eternal life.
Reflection:
Remember, the choice is yours: will you serve the fleeting idols of this world or follow the eternal, loving Shepherd? Choose life—choose Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Good Shepherd who leads me into life abundant. Help me to recognise the false gods of my culture and to say no to their empty promises. Give me the courage to follow You daily, trusting in Your provision, safety, and faithfulness. Speak to me today and remind me that in You, I lack nothing. Amen.
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