Psalm 23 has such depth of richness for understanding God and ourselves. This week as we consider our Shepherd, please read attentively this amazing account of an observer of shepherds and sheep in the land of Israel in the 1800’s.
“As we sat the silent hillsides around us were in a moment filled with life and sound. The shepherds led their flocks forth from the gates of the city. They were in full view, and we watched them and listened to them with no little interest. Thousands of sheep and goats were there, grouped in dense, confused masses. The shepherds stood together until all came out. Then they separated, each shepherd taking a different path, and uttering as he advanced a shrill peculiar call. The sheep heard them. At first the masses swayed and moved, as if shaken by some internal convulsion; then points struck out in the direction taken by the shepherds; these became longer and longer until the confused masses were resolved into long, living streams, flowing after their leaders. Such a sight was not new to me, still it had lost none of its interest. It was perhaps one of the most vivid illustrations which human eyes could witness of that beautiful discourse of our Lord recorded by John, "And the sheep hear the shepherd's voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers," chapter 10:3-5. The shepherds themselves had none of that peaceful and placid aspect which is generally associated with pastoral life and habits. They looked more like warriors marching to the battle-field—a long gun slung from the shoulder, a dagger and heavy pistols in the belt, a light battle-axe or ironheaded club in the hand. Such were the equipments; and their fierce flashing eyes and scowling countenances showed but too plainly that they were prepared to use their weapons at any moment.” J. L. Porter, A.M., in "The Giant Cities of Bashan," 1867 from The Treasury of David.
Ladies, if you know someone who needs comfort, encouragement, peace, and contentment, make sure you invite them to be part of our amazing study of Psalm 23—it will change their life! This Thursday morning we will watch a 25 minute video overview of Week 1 in our books. Please be ready to discuss Days 1 and 2—all about the Shepherd of our souls. Take some time to listen to the playlist the author of our study put together particularly for the first week. It will bless your heart and soul.