THIS SUNDAYS SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON December 7, 2014 The Shelter of God’s Presence #394 1st Lesson on the topic: Storm Shelter: Psalms of God’s Embrace Our Scripture text today: Psalm 23:1-6 The Point: “God is with me no matter what I am facing.” The Bible Meets Life: We need someone to stand with us when people disappoint us or even turn against us. We need to know we are not alone when we experience loss. Life gets us down from time to time, and we could use someone to walk through the experience with us. The Bible points us to God, who never disappoints or hurts us, but He does walk with us. We can discover that God provides what we need and strengthens us with His presence. The Setting: David apparently composed this psalm in the midst of or reflecting back on a time when his enemies were close at hand, and the outcome of the conflict was far from certain. The situation was severe enough David could have feared for his life, but instead, God’s presence and goodness allowed him to say, “I fear no danger.” This former shepherd could plainly see how the Great Shepherd guided, cared, and provided for him. Question #1: “What is the biggest storm you’ve ever encountered?” It might be medical (mental/physical). It might be job or workplace related. It could be family/relationship related. Psalm 23: 1-3 (Lesson Point: “God is with me no matter what I am facing.”): HCSB 1 The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Question #2: “What is your initial reaction to these verses? God provides for us. God renews us. God guides us. God’s presence is the most comforting thing we can have. David’s opening affirmation “the Lord is my Shepherd” sets the foundation for the psalm. 1st David described the personal aspect of his relationship with God by using the word my. • The Lord was David’s shepherd; He took responsibility for caring for and guiding David. 2nd David knew he was not in charge; God was! • God was present to lead David, and David needed to follow. 3rd God knew David’s needs and would provide for them, just as a shepherd provides for his sheep. • David affirmed God’s presence and provision in the words “there is nothing I lack” v1. 4th God’s presence meant God’s protection. • God would protect David just as shepherds protected sheep. • David indeed would face life’s trials and challenges, but always with his ever-present God at his side. David’s testimony “He renews my life” affirmed how God refreshed David along the shepherd’s life journey (v3). God always knew what was coming next, and provided for David accordingly. Seeing God’s faithfulness again and again refreshed David like food and water refreshed sheep in the wilderness. He trusted God more and more as he walked with Him. The words “right paths” can be translated “paths of righteousness” v3. Just as a shepherd led his sheep along safe paths, so the Lord led David along the right paths. He knew where David needed to go to fulfill the purpose He had prepared for him. God led David as He did “for His name’s sake” v3. God would hold accountable those who failed their sheep. As David reflected on his relationship with the Lord, he knew God put His very reputation at stake as He cared for David. The Lord had promised to care for his people; He would make good on His word. He guided David in the way David needed to go spiritually so David’s life would reflect God’s faithfulness in every way. God makes that same provision for believers today through His Holy Spirit, who comes to us when we receive Christ (Eph. 1: 13-14). Psalm 23: 4-5 (Lesson Point: “God is with me no matter what I am facing.”): HCSB 4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Key Word: “Anoint” (v5): The Hebrew term denotes the pouring of perfumed oil on a guest’s head (Luke 7: 46). Psalm 23:5 describe God honoring David as His special guest. “Even when I go through the darkest valley” v4 reveal David’s understanding that life was not easy. Many challenges and trials would come, and God did not necessarily spare him from those. Rather, He walked with David through those challenges and trials. His presence would comfort David, His protection would defend David, and His provision would satisfy David. David knew a dark valley might contain the right path; even so, he needed to navigate it carefully. God’s presence did not preclude difficulty. Still, David affirmed, “I fear no danger” as he went through life v4. His Shepherd was guiding him; nothing would take God by surprise. “You are with me” provides the key to David’s lack of fear. The Lord has also promised never to leave or forsake any of His children (Heb. 13:5). Question #3: “What keeps us from sometimes recognizing God’s presence? Remember we are His sheep-His allies and not His enemies. God’s presence brings about courage. Some of us may appear courageous or try to put on a good face, but in the reality of life, our ability to stand up and fight or resist is limited. God’s presence also appears in the image of His enjoying a meal with David. God met David right where he was, though His might and power far exceeded David’s. God also met us right where we are when He sent His only Son into the world (John 3:16). With His incarnation, Jesus personally brought God’s presence to earth (Heb. 1: 1-2). “My cup overflows,” indicates David had plenty to eat and drink (v5). God treated David to a wonderful banquet that more than satisfied his appetite. It suggests the abundance of God’s blessing beyond the basics. In the Lord, David had all he would ever need, including complete security. God was with him all the time, no matter what David faced. Question #4: “How has God’s presence in your life made you braver than you would be otherwise?” Meditating on God’s presence in our lives will likely bring us to a point of praise, just as it did for David in verse 6. Psalm 23:6 (Lesson Point: “God is with me no matter what I am facing.”): HCSB 6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live. Question #5: “What does it mean to you that God’s goodness and love pursue you?” When we feel like temptation is pursuing us, God is more determined to win our hearts. When sorrows seem to be around every corner, the Lord is present to wipe our tears and win our hearts. When life is just plain hard, and we don’t know if we can overcome the pain, the Shepherd is present to guide us toward His love. David could always count on God’s “goodness.” David would not consider everything that came his way as good- But he could always count on the Good Shepherd to be good. “Faithful love,” describes all the blessings that come to God’s children. In other contexts it is translated “mercy,” “faithfulness,” “covenant love,” “loyalty,” or “grace.” “Goodness and faithful love” are wonderful gifts of God. They would actively “pursue” David, just as they pursue believers today. This pursuit is best seen in how God provided salvation through Jesus’ sacrificial death, and how He works in the lives of individuals to bring them into a personal relationship with Himself through faith in Christ. “All the days of my life” reflects David’s confidence- He could count on God’s presence and protection as long as he lived. God never would abandon him or cease to provide for Him. David testified, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord,” a vivid picture of a deep relationship, like that between close friends. “House of the Lord” does not describe the temple, which David’s son Solomon built after David’s death (1Kings 6-7). It is likely that David was not intending a specific place; he used the term metaphorically to mean he would enjoy God’s presence forever. In Psalm 27:4, David affirmed that close fellowship with the Lord was the one thing he desired more than anything else. “As long as I live” literally means “length of days” and does not specifically refer to eternity. But God’s covenant and commitment has no end. Dwelling in God’s loving presence can be a constant in our lives, and in eternity our relationship with God will surpass anything we have ever known in this life (Rev. 21: 1-4). Foxhole Reality A foxhole conversion can be nothing more than bargaining with God. “If You will get me out of this, Lord, I will be committed to You for the rest of my life.” A promise like this is not likely to be kept. However, a face-to-face encounter with one’s own death can change a person’s sense of values. “I realized there were things more important than ________”(fill in the blank). An encounter with death takes us to the core of our being. Amidst the darkness of this valley, David’s core being felt comforted. Even at the threshold of the grave, David sensed God’s reassuring presence. A public television documentary several years ago followed two terminally ill hospital patients. Both patients’ families were grief-stricken by the news that death was imminent. However, over the ensuing weeks, one family pulled together and found peace. The other family pulled apart and found nothing but pain. The first family had a living relationship with Christ; the second family did not. You are terminal. Beyond insurance policies and a will, what are you doing to prepare yourself? David recommends you walk through this dark valley with the Lord. Then, you need fear no evil!
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 00:30:05 +0000
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