PSALM 23 The Resurrection Psalm THESIS: Resurrection is the basis of all present blessing

Psalm 22 The Cross Christ Crucified The Good Shepherd Atonement: Basis of Past Blessing The Sacrifice Savior Brings Grace His Misery Psalm 23 The Church Christ Risen The Great Shepherd Ascension: Basis of Present Blessing The Shepherd Shepherd Brings Guidance His Majesty Psalm 24 The Crown The King Returning The Chief Shepherd 2nd Advent: Basis of Future Blessing The Sovereign Sovereign Brings Glory His Might

THE NINETY AND NINE

Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1868 There were ninety and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold. But one was out on the hills away, far off from the gates of gold. Away on the mountains wild and bare. Away from the tender Shepherds care. Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine; are they not enough for Thee? But the Shepherd made answer: This of Mine has wandered away from Me; And although the road be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find My sheep. But none of the ransomed ever knew how deep were the waters crossed; Nor how dark was the night the Lord passed through ere He found His sheep that was lost. Out in the desert He heard its cry, sick and helpless and ready to die. Lord, whence are those blood drops all the way that mark out the mountains track? They were shed for one who had gone astray ere the Shepherd could bring him back. Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent and torn? They are pierced tonight by many a thorn. And all through the mountains, thunder riven and up from the rocky steep, There arose a glad cry to the gate of Heaven, Rejoice! I have found My sheep! And the angels echoed around the throne, Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!

I. PROVISION IN THE GLEN, 1-2 POSSESSION: THE SHEPHERD & HIS SHEEP Adequacy in the Pasture A. His Association is Personal, 1 B. His Arrangements are Pastoral, 2 II. DIRECTION IN THE GORGE, 3-4 PROGRESS: THE GUIDE & HIS TRAVELER Serenity in the Valley A. The Lords Presence, 3 B. The Lords Protection, 4 III. COMMUNION IN GLORY, 5-6 PURPOSE A. The Host & His Guest, 5 Supply is Abundant Certainty in the Fold B. The Prophet &His Promise, 6 Security is Assured Eternity in the Temple Notes:

Cross-References: John 8:58-59 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: 2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 1 Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Prov 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Key Thot:

The valley is the way to the mountaintop