Services every Sunday at 7:00 P.M.
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Services every Sunday at 7:00 P.M.
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"The Path" Psalm 23 5/3/09 Tonight we heard read one of the most famous portions of scripture the 23rd Psalm. It may have been the first Psalm we memorized in Sunday school class or catechism class. We may remember pictures of Jesus standing with the shepherd's staff or holding a small lamb in his arms as one of the first pictures we remember in the church. When I visit someone in the hospital usually ask them what part of scripture they would like to hear and more often than not the 23 rd Psalm is requested. How many of us when sitting beside the casket holding the body of someone dear to us when Psalm 23 is read a peace comes over the room that was not there before. These words have been read and sung, they have been painted on canvas and inscribed on plaques they offer a sense of trust and confidence in God that all will be well no matter what it may look like right now. In our Prayer class this past week we were ask to pick a Psalm or Psalms and life with them for the week. Not just to read them and get on to the next one. Not just to read the words, but rather to spend time in meditation and prayer with some of the Psalms. That might mean spending a whole day on one or two verses just sitting with it and then praying the words throughout the day or letting the words call us to some prayer action. Knowing this was Shepherd’s Sunday, I chose the 23rd Psalm as my companion and guide for the week. Now I begin with a disclaimer: I know next to nothing about sheep. I've seen them from turnpike when we've passed by. I may even have touched one at a petting zoo. I'm allergic to wool so I haven't gotten that close. The closest probably gotten to sheep is having a Border Collie who is a herding dog. Unfortunately she was moved from Kansas at a young age and instead of herding sheep she herds birds or the lawn mover and young kids if she can get a hold of a few. All of that said I love the 23rd psalm and how it shows the sheep's dependence on the shepherd and are dependence on God. There are so many images that jump out of this passage: shepherd leading, green pastures, still waters, restoration of the soul, paths of righteousness, shadows of death or darkness, comfort, anointing with oil, a sumptuous feast, a cup running over, mercy and goodness that pursues us, and finally living in the house of the Lord forever. And at the core the essence of Psalm 23 is a God of Divine care who we can count on, no matter what. I want to read the Psalm again from the old King James Version and ask you to just listen and she was calls to you this night that you desire from your Divine Creator.(Read KJV) We can rely on the shepherd who offers us the contentment of meeting all are needs. Before a word in on our lips God knows what is deep inside our heart that will still our souls. We can live in trustful anticipation of the gifts God has to offer. When we're tired from working too hard and getting nowhere, when we're weary because nothing seems to be going right. God will find us those green pastures of rest and lead us beside the still waters. There are those times when are lives need restoring. Worry I fear, guilt, shame have worn us out. God will lead us down the right path that is named God's Way. We will be filled up and on the right path again. Even in those times when we pass through the shadow of death or walk the darkess paths that have no light Go will give us courage to take one more step. God will keep so close to us that our breath will be God's breath. And when we come to that table, our host God, will be there showering soothing oil on our heads. We will receive so much that our cups will quite literally run over and over and over. And then just when it can't get any better God's goodness and mercy will pursue us, not just on that bad day, not just today, but all the days of our life. And the final promise is that we will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever and ever. I want to invite you again to hear the words of this Psalm as translated by Eugene Peterson in the Message Bible. Cling to the words the promises that you need tonight.
Passage results King James Version (KJV} Public Domain Psalm 23 (King James Version) Psalm 23 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.
Passage results The Message (MSG) Copyright @ 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson Psalm 23 (The Message) Psalm 23 A David Psalm 1-3 GOD, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing .
6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life. |
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