2025 Psalm 23 Message by Pastor Randall 06.29.25

Pastor Randall dives into Psalm 23 at Grey Stone.
ORTHODOX JEWISH BIBLE LITERAL TRANSLATION
Hashem is my Ro’eh ("Hashem (the Name, a reverent way to say YHWH) & Shepherd; I shall not lack.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures (pastures of fresh grass);
He leads me beside the mei menuchot (tranquil waters).
3 He restores my nefesh; (He brings back my soul/life” Nefesh = soul, life, inner being, vitality)
He guides me in the paths of tzedek l’ma’an Shmo (righteousness/Justice for the sake of His Name).
4 Even though I walk through the Gey Tzalmavet (Valley of the Shadow of Death),* deep darkness, extreme danger
I will fear no rah (evil); for YOU are with me; YOUR shevet (rod) and YOUR staff they comfort me.
5 YOU prepare a shulchan (table, symbolic of provision and honor) before me in the presence of my enemies: YOU anoint my head with shemen (olive oil); my kos (cup, symbol of abundance and blessing) runs over.
6 Surely tov and chesed (goodness and loving-kindness) shall follow me kol y’mei chaiyyai (all the days of my life): and I will dwell in the Bais Hashem (House of JHVH /Adonia.The NAME).
l’orech yamim (for length of days, whole life.. .for a long duration of days, i.e., forever or lifelong.)

1. The Shepherd Provides (Psalm 23:1)
• Adonai is not just a shepherd; He is my Shepherd; intimate, personal, and sufficient.
• In His care, “I lack nothing”’ He knows and meets every need of His sheep.
Am I trusting God for daily provision, or am I depending on my own resources?
John 10:11 – Jesus, the Good Shepherd & Philippians 4:19 – God supplies all our needs

2. The Shepherd Gives Rest and Peace (Psalm 23:2)
• God leads us into rest; quiet waters and green pastures are pictures of His peace in a noisy world.
• True rest comes not from circumstances, but from the Shepherd’s presence.
Where am I seeking rest—in temporary comforts or in God’s sustaining presence?
Matthew 11:28–29 “Come to Me... and I will give you rest” & Isaiah 26:3 Perfect peace for those who trust in Him.

3. The Shepherd Restores and Guides (Psalm 23:3)
• God restores the weary soul; He renews our inner life when we feel empty.
• He guides us on right paths, not for our glory but for His name’s sake.
Am I allowing God to lead me, or am I choosing my own direction?
Philippians 1:6 He will complete the good work in us & Proverbs 3:5–6 He will make our paths straight.

4. The Shepherd Stays Through the Valleys (Psalm 23:4)
• Even in our darkest valleys, we do not need to fear; His presence is our comfort.
• The rod and staff symbolize both protection and correction; reassuring signs of His care.
Do I trust God's presence when I walk through pain, loss, or fear?
Romans 8:38–39 Nothing can separate us from His love. & Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

5. The Shepherd Blesses and Welcomes (Psalm 23:5–6)
• God is not only a Shepherd; He is a generous Host who blesses us even in the face of enemies.
• His goodness and grace don’t just follow us they pursue us, leading to eternal fellowship in His house.
Am I living with eternity in view, confident in God’s goodness and mercy today?
Revelation 7:17 The Lamb will shepherd them and wipe away their tears. & 2 Timothy 4:18 The Lord will bring us safely into His heavenly kingdom.

Conclusion Psalm 23 invites us to a lifestyle of confidence, peace, and hope; not because life is always easy, but because the Shepherd is always near. Jesus fulfills this psalm perfectly. In Him, we lack nothing, fear nothing, and hope for everything.

Material based on resources by M.Lucado & S.Heitzig;
References: Secret Church: The OT by David Platt; OT Shepherd’s Notes by David Shepherd (1997); The Revell Bible Dictionary, (1990); Soaring Through the Bible by Skip Heitzig (2019) Apologetics Study Bible HCSB (2007); Word In Life Study Bible NKJV(1996). Complete Jewish Bible (1998); The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon (19thc); Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706); Martin Luther’s Works Selected Psalms; Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536) & Commentaries on the Book of Psalms by John Calvin (1845); Understanding the Bible (1972); & The Contemporary Christian: Applying God's Word to Today’s World & The Message of the Psalms by John Stott (1992); Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, (2014) & The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms by Tim Keller (2015); For the Love of God by D.A. Carson (1998);John Piper Desiring God (1986).