Who Is He? (Psalm 23) - 9-11-22

Scripture Texts are Psalm 23 and Matthew 6.25-34. Subject is “Who Is He?”Thank God there are many men and women who have a special calling. They are called to protect and serve. They are called to respond to danger. They are called to put their lives on the line to save others. And sometimes they are like shepherds watching over sheep.But they are human shepherds. There exists an eternal shepherd. One who can shepherd the entire world from eternity past to eternity future and everyone in between. Who is He, you ask.I.He is the self-existent One (the LORD).A.David is not referring to a man he could touch and feel as his shepherd. He is referring to divinity, to deity, to the Almighty God.B.Exo 3:14 ESV God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"C.The God who appeared to Moses is the same God who David is referencing in the Psalm. And He is the same God who can live in us today.D.He is the Omniscient, Omnipresence, Omnipotent God! All knowing, ever present, Almighty God! He is the LORD!II.He is a very present help (Is).A.David did not say God was or will be my shepherd. He says God is my shepherd.B.God is a right now God. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is not promised. So let’s live in today with our very present help.C.Jesus tells us not to borrow trouble from tomorrow. Mat 6:34 ESV "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.D.Plan for tomorrow but live in the present. Give us this day our daily bread!III.He is a personal and intimate LORD and Savior (my shepherd).A.Notice David did not say the LORD is a shepherd or the shepherd. He said the LORD is my shepherd.B.He knew the LORD for himself. He had a relationship with God. He did not just know of the LORD. He knew Him. And he knew Him experientially. He knew Him as his Savior.C.But do we accept Him as our Shepherd. If He is our shepherd this means we are His sheep. Too many of us are too prideful to be sheep. So, we want Him as Savior but not Shepherd.D.Jesus wants to be our Savior and LORD. He is the Good Shepherd. The question is, “Is He your Shepherd?”Conclusion: The LORD is the self-existent One, a very present help, and a personal and intimate LORD and Savior. Continue to pray for those who lost loved ones during 911. And continue to pray for the first responders who act as shepherds at times. And pray for those who are lost and are in need of the Good Shepherd.If He is not your Savior today, I invite you to accept Him today. If He is your Savior only, I invite you to accept Him as your LORD today. Amen.