Exposition on Psalm 23
The sermon emphasizes the Lord's role as our Shepherd, guiding and nourishing us through faith, discipline, and spiritual growth.
St. Augustine preaches on the Psalm of David, highlighting the intimate relationship between the Lord Jesus Christ as the Shepherd and the believer as His sheep. He emphasizes how the Lord provides nourishment, guidance, and comfort to those who follow Him, leading them in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake. Despite walking through the challenges and shadows of life, believers are encouraged not to fear evil, for the Lord is with them, offering comfort and discipline. The sermon concludes with the assurance of God's mercy following the believer all the days of their life, leading them to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Text
A psalm of David himself.
1. The Church speaks to Christ: The Lord feeds me, and I shall lack nothing Psalm 22:1. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Shepherd, and I shall lack nothing.
2. In a place of pasture there has He placed me Psalm 22:2. In a place of fresh pasture, leading me to faith, there has He placed me to be nourished. By the water of refreshing has He brought me up. By the water of baptism, whereby they are refreshed who have lost health and strength, has He brought me up.
3. He has converted my soul: He has led me forth in the paths of righteousness, for His Name's sake Psalm 22:3. He has brought me forth in the narrow ways, wherein few walk, of His righteousness; not for my merit's sake, but for His Name's sake.
4. Yea, though I walk in the midst of the shadow of death Psalm 22:4. Yea, though I walk in the midst of this life, which is the shadow of death. I will fear no evil, for You are with me. I will fear no evil, for You dwell in my heart by faith: and You are now with me, that after the shadow of death I too may be with You. Your rod and Your staff, they have comforted me. Your discipline, like a rod for a flock of sheep, and like a staff for children of some size, and growing out of the natural into spiritual life, they have not been grievous to me; rather have they comforted me: because You are mindful of me.
5. You have prepared a table in my sight, against them that trouble me Psalm 22:5. Now after the rod, whereby, while a little one, and living the natural life, I was brought up among the flock in the pastures; after that rod, I say, when I began to be under the staff, You have prepared a table in my sight, that I should no more be fed as a babe with milk, 1 Corinthians 3:2 but being older should take meat, strengthened against them that trouble me. You have fattened my head with oil. You have gladdened my mind with spiritual joy. And Your inebriating cup, how excellent is it! And Your cup yielding forgetfulness of former vain delights, how excellent is it!
6. And Your mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: that is, as long as I live in this mortal life, not Yours, but mine. That I may dwell in the house of the Lord for length of days Psalm 22:6. Now Your mercy shall follow me not here only, but also that I may dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Lord is my Shepherd
- A. He feeds me and I shall lack nothing
- B. He leads me to faith and nourishes me
- II. He has converted my soul
- A. He has brought me forth in the paths of righteousness
- B. He comforts me with His discipline
- III. He prepares a table for me
- A. He strengthens me against troubles
- B. He gladdens my mind with spiritual joy
- IV. His mercy shall follow me
- A. Throughout my life
- B. So I may dwell in the house of the Lord
Key Quotes
“The Lord Jesus Christ is my Shepherd, and I shall lack nothing.” — St. Augustine
“Your rod and Your staff, they have comforted me.” — St. Augustine
“And Your cup yielding forgetfulness of former vain delights, how excellent is it!” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Recognize the Lord as our Shepherd and guide in life's challenges.
- Trust in the Lord's discipline to help us grow and mature in our faith.
- Seek spiritual nourishment and growth through the Lord's table and presence.