God is _______
God is HOLY
As we study Exodus 3 where Moses encounters God through the burning bush, we find that God was very much interested in letting Moses know WHO HE WAS. The “I Am” made himself accessible and his compassion for a people suffering from slavery gave us insight in Who He Is. “I Am who I Am” (Exodus 3:14). This name specifies an immediacy, a presence. Yahweh is present, accessible, near to those who call on Him for deliverance (Psalm 107:13), forgiveness (Psalm 25:11) and guidance (Psalm 31:3).
We also know that God is known by many names, names that speak about God’s character and His sudden presence, like in Moses’ life. We also learned that Moses had a close relationship with God. He looked for God in all areas of His life. He knew his character well. We learned the different names of God, the traits of his Character. Who HE is. “I am Who I am” – The name above all names. And how if we look for God and have knowledge of who HE is, he can be present in every day of our lives (Jehovah Jireh, when we need provision, Jehovah Shalom, when we need peace, etc.)
We saw this video with descriptions that highlights the names of God like Yahweh and a detailed explanation of how they were used throughout the Bible:
God is CARING
Today, we are going to talk about Psalm 23 – After David pondered his relationship as a shepherd to his sheep, he realized that was exactly the relationship God had with him, and so he declares, “Yahweh-Rohi is my Shepherd. I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
Today’s lesson is about a powerful song to God. It is well known because of how well loved it is.
Intro:
Psalm 23 is about a GOOD shepherd. We can think about shepherds in our lives that taught us, guided us and protected us, but sometimes we don’t have those kinds of experiences. Can you think of your parents? Were they good shepherds? Sometimes we have difficulties thinking of a earthly shepherd because we may not have had positive experiences. But Psalm 23 gives us a clear example of a GOOD shepherd.
It may be a lowly position, but shepherds were the first ones to find out about the birth of Christ. Shepherds have a lowly position but they are given a prominent place on earth
Point and main terms:
Today we are going to talk about Psalm 23 – After David pondered his relationship as a shepherd to his sheep, he realized that was exactly the relationship God had with him, and so he declares, “Yahweh-Rohi is my Shepherd. I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
Why do people love Psalm 23 so much? It offers comfort when we face difficulties.
Terms:
Shepherd (v. 1): A person who protects, guides, tends, guards.
Renews (v. 3): Original Hebrew word means to bring back: to refresh, repair, restore, repent or turn back to God.
Cup overflows (v. 5): A cup that runs over when it cannot hold it anymore. Emphasis on the loving care of the Good Shepherd with his sheep.
Darkest Valley (v. 4): Hebrew word “Darkness” – Usually meant difficult experiences in life leading up to death.
Yahweh Rohi (v. 1): Yahweh is God’s personal name (LORD) – Yahweh Rohi is “The Lord is my shepherd” – Psalms 22, 23 and 24 are a “trilogy” of songs – Past, Present, Future. Psalm 23 is the present declaring that the Lord is HIS Shepherd – a covenant or commitment to be loyal to God in His relationship.
Applying Oil (v. 5): Oil was used to keep insects away. If the sheep had no oil, it would make it easier for insects to land on the sheep and thus bother it, bring in diseases, etc.
Counting Sheep (Quick Fact!): Counting sheep – the term came from the concern the herders hard for their sheep – they counted sheep as they went to sleep.
Life Spam (Quick Fact!): 7 years.
Wool (Quick Fact!): Natural fiber from sheep. Fire resistant. Wool keeps you cool in the summer and
warm in the winter.
Rod and staff: Tools of protection, for rescue and shepherd to rest.
As you know, each class has 3 main outline points. So the first one will be:
GOD PROVIDES v1-3
We see in 1 Sam 16:11-12 that Samuel was sent by the Lord to anoint the next king of Israel. He went to Jesse’s house and found that the new king was a shepherd.
Why do you think he chose him?
God knew a shepherd cared. Thats why he chose him. His relationship with God was described in Psalm 23.
Verse 1: He did not lack anything because he knew he was God’s sheep. He forgot his leadership role and instead focused on his role as sheep.
He was confident in God, David turned over his life for God.
ON BOARD: What would improve your quality of life? Write 5 samples. Now, which can you cross of that might distract you from hearing from God?
Thought question on slide: What do you depend on?
Verse 2: talks about Green pasture and quiet waters. Meaning.
Sometimes the simple fact that we have water and food should cause us to worship our Shepherd.
Say something – an every day blessing that you can thank God for right now. Let’s say it together.
Verse 3: Transition for sheep. They had to move constantly in order for food to keep coming. They had to depend on their shepherd for guidance. Without that they would be snatched away. We must cling to God during times of change. We know God can RENEW our lives and restore us.
GOD PROTECTS v4-5
Rod & Staff: Protection, rescue, sharp weapons.
Dependent on God in danger and persecution. David knew danger. As king, as shepherd, etc. He knew that God’s rod and staff would protect him. That his cup would overflow with blessings. He leads us from one field to another, helping us throughout.
He protects us and leads us from field to field – overflowing our blessings.
GOD PURSUES v6
“shall follow me” means to pursue. Other things might pursue David for a reason (peace, protection, temporary peace) but goodness and love – the things of God – would pursue him forever. 1: David said good things from God would pursue him 2: David would stay near God throughout his life.
Do you feel ur pursuing something or being pursued? How are you giving in?
God pursued and David was caught. Even in the middle of all that David went through God poured his blessings on him. How can you see blessings in a storm?
God was always on time – leading and meeting every need.
TIME TO PURSUE! Let’s write a song!