Derek Wells | The Good Life Under The Good Shepherd

·39 min·3 clips

David Pallison's 'anti-psalm' describes a life of emptiness and fear, the opposite of Psalm 23's confidence.

The episode is a sermon by Pastor Derek Wells on Psalm 23, titled 'The Good Life Under The Good Shepherd'. It begins with an opening prayer and the reading of Psalm 23. Wells notes the psalm's familiarity and its use for comfort in trials. He introduces the concept of the 'anti-psalm' by counselor David Pallison, which describes a life of emptiness, fear, and self-focus, contrasting it with Psalm 23's message. The sermon is structured into three main points: the focus, posture, and perspective of the psalm. The focus is on God as shepherd, with references to Derek Kidner and Sinclair Ferguson on the intimacy of this metaphor and its roots in Genesis and Israel's history. The posture involves trust in God's provision, protection, and guidance, illustrated by green pastures and still waters. Wells shares a personal anecdote about his father's poor sense of direction to contrast with God's reliable guidance. The perspective addresses walking through the 'valley of the shadow of death', where God's presence with rod and staff brings comfort. It shifts to God as a host preparing a table amidst enemies, with oil and an overflowing cup symbolizing salvation. Wells ties this to Jesus as the good shepherd who drank the cup of wrath for believers. The conclusion emphasizes that goodness and mercy 'follow' in the sense of actively pursuing the believer, leading to dwelling in God's house forever. The sermon ends with a prayer for confidence and assurance in Christ.

As heard by us

A steady Psalm 23 sermon about rest, guidance, and the good shepherd.

This sermon keeps Psalm 23 at the center, treating the passage as a calm guide to contentment, protection, and steady guidance under a good shepherd.

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Why you'd press play

You want Psalm 23, prayerfully and plainspoken.

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