The Twenty Third Psalm
The story is told of
an actor who was known for his readings and recitations from the Classics.
He always ended his performance with a dramatic recital of Psalm 23. Each
night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation -- "The Lord is
my shepherd, I shall not want" -- the crowd would listen attentively and
then rise with thunderous applause, in appreciation of the actor's ability
to bring the psalm to life.
One night, just before the actor was to offer his customary recital of Psalm
23, a young man from the audience spoke up. "Sir, would you mind, if
tonight, I recite Psalm 23?"
The actor was surprised by this unusual request. However he invited the young
man to come onto the stage to recite the psalm; curious to see the how the
ability of this youth weighed against his own talent.
Softly 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 youth's recitation that every eye was tearful.
Amazed by what he had experienced, the actor queried, "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 humbly replied,
"Well sir, you know the psalm...but I know the Shepherd."
relationship!
supply!
rest!
refreshment!
healing!
guidance!
purpose!
testing!
protection!
faithfulness!
discipline!
hope!
consecration!
abundance!
blessing!
security!
eternity!
1: aHâiâh (Yehovah) 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 aHâiâh (Yehovah)
for ever.
The Good Shepherd always offers a safe return.
By The Gentle Waters
By the gentle waters, You will safely lead me.
In green pastures feed me, knowing what is best.
Though I often stray. Wander far away.
I can hear you say, "Come to me and rest".
Though the path be rough and rugged.
Though the trail be dark and steep.
Still the Gentle Shepherd, watches o'er His sheep.
There's no need to fear, when the Shepherd's near.
While Your voice I hear, "I can comfort sure".
Keep the love alive. Sheltered from above.
Leaning in your arms, I can rest secure.
With the flock abiding, all my needs supplying.
Comforting and guiding, leading all the way, all the way.
Jesus (aHaiashua ) loving shepherd, You'll forsake me never.
In your flock forever, I am thine alone, thine alone.
Though the darkness hide me, You are close beside me.
Gentle Shepherd guide me, ti'l I'm safely Home.
Ti'l I'm safely Home. Safely Home.
Song wma