Psalm 23 Devotional:

GNV: 1 Because the Prophet had proved the great mercies of God at divers times, and in sundry manners, he gathereth a certain assurance, fully persuading himself that God will continue the very same goodness towards him forever.

A Psalm of David.

23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou dost anoint my head with oil; and my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Previously we noted the remarkable manner of the providence of God, and the encouragement which the saint receives on behalf of it. For David’s case is not isolated as if we should merely congratulate ourselves to be disconnected from it, and imagine that we are not fallen into any grievous trial but take and receive these words as if it was our own experience, for it most certainly is, and give thanks to God for blessing our sorrow with hope. Truly may every Christian pray thus, “God hath dealt well with me. He makes me like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth fruit, he maketh me to lie down in green pastures…etc” and therefore praise God on behalf of His wonderful care towards us, especially to lead us into the flock of His church, and teach and govern us by his word. For we are not so cast away even in our adversity as to be outside the care and providence of God, even though the world knows us not, but surely as a shepherd leads his little flock carefully, so doth the Lord Christ govern His people in His congregation, and therefore when we are found walking astray he corrects and comforts us by His rod and staff. For even as the scripture saith in another place, “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” so the Lord shows Himself loving and favorable towards us when He wounds us with stripes that we might not be destroyed. As it is written, “But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” For the world lives in lust, excess and luxury and they are *not* chastened and scourged that they might be saved, but left to their own fancies to be deceived by the devil unto everlasting sorrow and perdition. Therefore may the believer receive comfort from the rod that smites him, even as it is a sure sign that he is beloved by God, and that God meaneth not for him to perish with the wicked. We also ought to note that the rod and staff are not only for the guidance of the sheep but also to drive away the enemy. Such is the manner in which God takes care of His people that He will destroy those who harass and abuse them, as it is written, “Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.” and again, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” So may the people of God take comfort in His word, and know certainly that He will destroy the enemies of the church, and will rise in judgment to our salvation, and the everlasting shame of those who oppose us.

Henry,
His word and Spirit shall comfort them–his rod and staff, alluding to the shepherd’s crook, or the rod under which the sheep passed when they were counted (Leviticus 27:32), or the staff with which the shepherds drove away the dogs that would scatter or worry the sheep. It is a comfort to the saints, when they come to die, that God takes cognizance of them (he knows those that are his), that he will rebuke the enemy, that he will guide them with his rod and sustain them with his staff. The gospel is called the rod of Christ’s strength (Psalms 110:2), and there is enough in that to comfort the saints when they come to die, and underneath them are the everlasting arms.

Dickson,
The consideration of Gods covenanted presence with his own in trouble, and of his power to protect, and deliver them, and of his wisdom and goodness to make his own profit by troubles may, and should comfort the believer against the fear of perishing in whatsoever trouble. For David giveth this as a reason of not fearing evil. Thou art with me, thy rod and thy staffe they comfort me.

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Therefore seeing that God has shown His love to us even by the rod, chastising us that we might learn and profit by it, let us return to the Lord that he may return to us, for there is no hope for us apart from Him, and we show ourselves as most reasonable when we turn to Him in love without the rod, therefore how much more when He has beaten us? Let us come unto Him therefore, thirsting after the everlasting waters that flow from His throne, and beg for pardon and cleansing, for God surely will cast out none who call unto Him in sincerity and truth.

Opening Prayer.

Intro.
Calvin’s sermon on Gal. 4:26-31

The Westminster Confession of Faith.
Lesson 2. An Introduction to the Confession. [2]

The Authority of the Church.
1. God’s will revealed in the word.
Heb. 1:1-3, Isa. 8:19-20,

2. God’s will revealed to His church.
Heb. 1:1, Ps. 147:19-20

3. God’s will revealed by the prophets.
Heb. 1:1, Jer. 7:22-28, 1 Thess. 2:(13)

4. God’s word the cause of salvation and growth in grace.
James 1:18-19, 1 Pet. 1:23, Ps. 1:3, 2 Tim. 3:15

5. The authority of the church is chiefly used in doctrine.
Matt. 16:19
i. The calling from God.
ii. The message of salvation. (The manner)
iii. The benefit of the hearers. (The motive)
iv. Judgment passed on all those who believe not.

Conclusion.

Closing Prayer.

YouTube Audio: https://youtu.be/JpBJdaPXJYc