November 30, 2016 (Tuesday)
Tonight at Bethel Baptist Church, Ingleside, we will study the Twenty-third Psalm. This chapter of the Bible has been memorized by many of us, usually in the King James Version of the Scriptures. It holds a precious message for everyone: “The Lord is my shepherd.”
A shepherd loves his sheep and takes good care of his sheep. He knows them by name and each one is important to him. The Lord Himself is our good shepherd, and he cares about us.
Psalm 23 King James Version A psalm of David. 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 preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; 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. ~ |
The Psalm also presents God as our guide, taking us by the hand and leading us through the dark valleys of life. He leads us into righteousness. His presence causes us to feel safe in his care.
The poem closes with the picture of a generous, gracious host who provides a sumptuous feast for us in the very presence of our enemies, and an affirmation that the psalmist will have a long life, lived out in the presence of God.
Thousands of people have committed this psalm to memory. When I ask a congregation to recite it with me, most are able to do so. It is a very precious part of God’s Holy Word.