Hello Friends -
Last Sunday I had the chance to preach at FCC in Napa. My heart was full as we love that place and were grateful to be back with them for at least one Sunday. I wanted to pass along the sermon audio to you, and would love to hear your thoughts. You can find the sermon audio below or here along with other sermons I have preached.
Psalm 23 is known as a Psalm of confidence, it is David's declaration of God as Shepherd, leading, restoring, protecting. David's guiding principle is found in verse 1, "The Lord is my Shepherd; I lack nothing." The fulfillment of his soul, his deepest longings, concerns, fears, everything is fulfilled in God. Everything our hearts desire are satisfied in Jesus. The picture David presents is one of the Kingdom of God...
Green pastures.
Still waters.
Restoration of the soul.
Paths of righteousness.
Notice, this is something happening in the here and now, it is breaking forth in an earthly form. It isn't a future reality, but is present. To follow the shepherd is to embrace this kingdom. It is to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, knowing that if I lack nothing in the presence of the Shepherd I have nothing to fear. It is sitting at the table prepared for you even in the presence of your enemies. So what is this table God has prepared for us? It is communion, it is the reminder that Jesus has inaugurated this new way of life through his death and resurrection. Friends, we can rest assured, the hope we long for has been prepare before us, we may walk wherever he leads because he is the good shepherd, because he is leading us into the Kingdom of God here and now.
I would love for you to check out the sermon and let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Cheers!