Connect Hebrews 13:20 with Psalm 23. How do both portray God's guidance? Setting the Texts Side by Side “Now may the God of peace, who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do His will…” “The LORD is my Shepherd; I will not be in need. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name…” The Shepherd Title: Old and New Testament Unity • Psalm 23 introduces Yahweh as “my Shepherd,” a personal, present guide. • Hebrews 13:20 identifies Jesus as “the great Shepherd,” affirming His divinity and continuity with Yahweh’s shepherd role. • John 10:11, 14—Jesus says, “I am the good Shepherd,” linking Himself to Psalm 23 and confirming His guidance is God’s guidance. • 1 Peter 5:4—He is “the Chief Shepherd,” underscoring His supreme authority over every under-shepherd (pastor/elder). Paths of Guidance in Both Passages 1. A Path Marked by Peace • Psalm 23:2 “He leads me beside quiet waters.” • Hebrews 13:20 “the God of peace.” • Isaiah 26:3 confirms, “You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is steadfast.” 2. A Path of Provision • Psalm 23:1 “I will not be in need.” • Hebrews 13:21 “equip you with every good thing to do His will.” • Philippians 4:19 echoes, “My God will supply all your needs.” 3. A Path of Righteousness • Psalm 23:3 “He guides me in the paths of righteousness.” • Hebrews 13:21 stresses being “well-pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ.” • Ephesians 2:10—We are “created in Christ Jesus for good works…that we should walk in them.” 4. A Path Through the Valley • Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” • Hebrews 13:20 points to the resurrection—God guided Jesus through death and out the other side. • Revelation 7:17—“the Lamb…will shepherd them and lead them to springs of living water.” Guidance Secured by Covenant Blood • Psalm 23 rests on Yahweh’s faithful covenant love, the sure mercy David knew. • Hebrews 13:20 anchors guidance in “the blood of the eternal covenant,” the once-for-all sacrifice of the Shepherd who became the Lamb (John 1:29). • Because the covenant is “eternal,” the guidance it guarantees is unbreakable (Jeremiah 32:40). Practical Implications for Daily Walk • Dependence—Because the Shepherd supplies, worry is replaced by trust (Matthew 6:31-33). • Obedience—His equipping is for “every good thing,” so follow where He leads, confident His grace precedes you (2 Corinthians 9:8). • Confidence in Trials—The resurrection power that guided Christ through death assures believers He will guide them through every valley (Romans 8:11). • Worship—“To Him be glory forever and ever” (Hebrews 13:21); guidance fuels gratitude and praise. |
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