I wouldn’t trade “Grampa, I love you!” for an hour of oratory. A warm look of trust, or a child’s touch, is praise far exceeding mere words. And I am persuaded the heavenly Father would have us talk to and with Him, rather than about Him. Perhaps that is why I am intrigued by a shift of pronouns in the beloved 23rd Psalm. David begins, “The Lord is my shepherd... He maketh me to lie down...speaking of the Lord in the third person. The psalmist is talking about the Lord. “He leadeth me...restoreth my soul...” etc. This continues through verse three. Then in verse four there is a change to second person—David begins to talk to or with the Lord. Now it is, “thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” The first portion is a tender testimonial of David’s love for the Lord, and declares the personal relationship of shepherd and sheep. But it is a declaration—it tells others something about the Lord. The second portion loses sight of all others, and speaks directly to the shepherd. I am reminded of a story, heard long

ago, about a social gathering where guests were asked to contribute something to the occasion. Many recited poetry, and one eloquent speaker made a theatrical production of the 23rd Psalm. The next in line was an unlettered man, now greatly embarrassed because the 23rd Psalm was the only “poetry” he knew; and he was forced to repeat what had just been recited by the talented gentleman. There was a stir among the guests as he began his halting, unpolished presentation. But “my” shepherd was more than words to this man; and as he followed David into his close personal relationship with the Lord, he forgot the audience. He ceased to talk about the shepherd, and began to speak to Him. The room grew quiet. And when he had finished, the eloquent man arose to apologize for his “production.” “I know the 23rd. Psalm well,” he said. “But this man knows the shepherd.” Of what value is a well-worded prayer—that stops at the ceiling? [Previous Article] [Next Article]

	Created on 16-Nov-00	Page last updated