By Terry Lees
THERE was once a Shakespearean actor known everywhere for his one-person shows of readings and recitations from the classics.
He always ended his performance with a dramatic reading of Psalm 23.
Each night, as the actor began his recitation of “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…” the crowd listened attentively, and then, at the conclusion of the Psalm, they rose in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor’s incredible ability to bring the verse to life.
Yet one night, just before the actor offered his customary recital of Psalm 23, a young man from the audience spoke up.
“Sir, do you mind if tonight I recite Psalm 23?”
The actor was taken back by this unusual request yet allowed the young man to come forward and stand on the stage to recite the Psalm, knowing that the ability of this unskilled youth would be no match for his own talent.
With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the Psalm.
When he was finished, there was no applause.
There was no standing ovation as on other nights.
All that could be heard was the sound of weeping.
The audience had been so moved by the young man’s recitation that every eye was full of tears.
Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, “I don’t understand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime of experience and training – but I have never been able to move an audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your secret?”
The young man quietly replied, “Well sir, you know the Psalm… I know the Shepherd.”
Scripture often uses metaphors and symbolism to explore our relationship with God.
In the case of the parable of the lost sheep and Psalm 23, God teaches that we are very much like sheep.
Without God’s help, we aren’t that smart. We aren’t just helpless creatures as humans… we are often rebellious.
We tend to run away from the guidance of our Good Shepherd.
It is often the case that when God feels distant from us, it is we who are hiding instead of God.
Without God’s help and protection, our life can become an absolute mess.
Sure, we might think we can survive without God, but we can end up in a dark place without that divine relationship.
We could be in danger if we fail to pursue God.
The Good Shepherd leads us to green pastures where we can find peace.
If we are nourished by his Word, by prayer and meditation, we need not be concerned about today and tomorrow.
The Shepherd leads us on his path.
With loving concern he searches for the sheep that have wandered and brings them back. The Shepherd does not drive his flock – he leads them on the path of life.
I’ve been in that bleak valley, feeling desolate, lost and abandoned by God. I was at rock-bottom after squandering my talents, possessions, and money.
I experienced the self-pity of one who had lost all. I came close to losing the real treasures of my life, the ones who mattered most to me. I never felt so alone.
However, the Good Shepherd took the initiative, as Jesus always does, sought me out, found and restored me to the Father’s loving embrace.
I too know the Shepherd. I serve the Father under the ministry of the Shepherd. I will serve him all the days of my life.
John the Baptist teaches and proclaims that Jesus is more than the Good Shepherd. ‘Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. It was of him that I said, “Behind me comes one who has passed ahead of me because he existed before me.”’
The grace that impelled John in his vocation led him to recognise the grace that filled Jesus.
John called Jesus the lamb and the son of God. John saw Jesus and John the Baptist is a respected and powerful witness to the claim that he made for Jesus as the Messiah.
Jesus is the Lamb of God, a sacrifice for our restoration. We need only look to the Cross.
“Like a lamb led to slaughter or a sheep silent before shearers, he did not open his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).
The Good Shepherd laid down his life for his sheep. He went like a Lamb to the slaughter.
Jesus gave up his life that we might be saved and possess eternal life.
What is the Good Shepherd calling you to do?
“Shepherd, now, others in need as they stumble on their dark road. Today: I unite my heart with those in gloomy valleys,” Joyce Rupp wrote.
Have a golden day and treasure life.
