Returning to the Shepherd

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-18-2025

Psalm 80

 

Introduction:

 

A. This particular Psalm was written by Asaph and was meant to be played on an instrument named Shoshannimeduth (pronounced as sho-shan-neem' (ay-dooth')). Shoshannimeduth comes from two root words that mean “lily” and “testimony” and is thought to be a trumpet. Trumpets in the Bible were used to call the people to assembly or war. Here, both are applicable. The people of Israel needed to gather together in repentance and wage war against their spiritual rebellion against God.

 

B.  The Psalm is both contemporary and prophetic as it is a cry to the Shepherd of Israel, Jehovah God, and the Lord Jesus Christ.  In this Psalm, we find three distinct times.

 

1.  A time of rejection and conformity to the world.

 

2.  A description of chastisement.

 

3.  A cry of repentance and restoration.

 

C.  Israel was to follow the Shepherd.

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Genesis 49:24  But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

 

Psalms 23:1  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

 

Isaiah 40:11  He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

 

D.  Believers are to follow the Shepherd.

 

1.  Following our Shepherd is the best life.  Luke 9:23-24  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  (24)  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

 

2.  Following our Shepherd is an illuminated life.  John 8:12  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

 

3.  Following our Shepherd is a protected life.  John 10:11  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

 

4.  Following our Shepherd is the way of assurance.  John 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

 

E.  Let’s make interpretation and then the application.

 

1.  The Old Testament Saints and Israel as a nation had a vast history of turning from God.  Beginning in Genesis, chapters 3-6,  from Adam/Eve, to Cain, to the “sons of God” who turned from God and paid a terrible price.  The nation of Israel, over and over and over and over, turned from God and seemingly never remembered the historic consequences.  In Psalm 80, we find them again out of the will of God and seeking restoration.

 

2.  The New Testament Saints from the birth of Christ to the present, along with Israel, have turned from God at a great price.  Seemingly, they and we do not remember the lost blessings and consequences, or chastisement, for doing so.  “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love!”

 

3.  I am glad that God commanded us to forgive 490 times! I have personally relied heavily on 1 John 1:9, and He continues to forgive and restore us to righteousness!

 

F.  In verses 3-6, we find the consequences of turning away from the Lord:

 

1.  “Turn us again.”  They were looking and going the wrong way.

 

2.  “Cause thy face to shine.”  They were walking in disapproval and darkness.

 

3.  “How long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?”  Their prayers were not heard, much less answered.

 

4.  “Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure.”  They lived lives of heartbreak and defeat.

 

5.  “Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.”  They had no peace and security at home and their enemies mocked them.

 

G.  Israel had turned away from following God, resulting in significant consequences. The chastening of God led Israel to seek the Shepherd.

H.  In verses 1-2, along with 18-19, we find Israel’s plight and plea.

 

1.  That God would once again hear the cries of Israel.  Praise the Lord that God is always just a whispered prayer away.

 

2.  That God would once again look upon Israel with approval.  Praise God that He will restore.

 

3.  That God would once again deliver Israel from her enemies.  Jesus still Saves!