The Women’s Bible Study on Saturday morning has become a special part of my spiritual life. We are dong an in depth study of the Gospel of John. Chapter after chapter we have seen how God revealed his son Jesus through the observations of his disciple John. We have been able to catch a glimpse of Jesus and his life and work on earth. So the question arises of what does this all mean to me? How can the the scripture come alive in our individual lives?

Let’s look at this idea through the familiar passage of the 23rd Psalm. It was written by David and is the best known of the messianic psalms. It pictures the Lord as a shepherd. This metaphor is picked up in the New Testament in John 10: 11 where Jesus is called the good shepherd. So what do we know in the 21st century urban America about shepherds? Let’s see:

The Lord is my Shepherd - that’s a relationship!
I shall not want - he provides my needs.
He makes me lie down in green pastures - he gives me rest.
He leads me beside the still waters - he refreshes me.
He restores my soul - he heals me emotionally and spiritually.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness - he guides me.
For his name sake - he gives me purpose for my life.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - he knows that I will face difficulties in life.
I will fear no evil - he will protect me.
For You are with me - he is faithful.
Thy rod and staff comfort me - he disciplines me.
He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies - he gives me hope.
He annoints my head with oil - he consecrates me.
My cup runs over - he gives abundantly above my needs.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life - he blesses me.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord - he provides security.
Forever - he will be with me for eternity.

So we can not only see Jesus in this scripture, we can also see ourselves. What a gift! What joy! Praise be to God!