Craig Clouston

Knowing The Shepherd Makes All the Difference

The LORD is my shepherd…

Psalm 23:1

The story goes that there was a famous actor whose incredible speaking voice commanded attention and held listeners in awe. Besides his acting career, he was much sought-after to record commercials, movie trailers, and the like.

On one occasion at a large party he entertained the crowd by reciting famous sonnets and poetry. During a pause he was approached by a man dressed more like a peasant than one who should be attending such festivities.

“I wonder if I could impose upon you to recite the 23^rd Psalm?” he humbly asked.

Something the actor discerned in the man caused him to respond, “On the condition that you also recite it.”

The man agreed and the actor took the stage once again. His inflection was flawless as he recited the familiar psalm, his resonant voice built excitement throughout the room, and he finished to a standing ovation. After a moment he raised his hand to quiet the crowd as the older man took the stage. The crowd looked on in disdain; what could this unkempt character have to offer? Unphased by their cold reception, the man stood confidently and, in a worn-out, raspy voice, interpreted the 23^rd Psalm. When he finished there was no clapping, no standing ovation…only weeping throughout the room.

Asked what the difference had been between the two recitals, the actor replied, “I know the 23^rd Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd.”

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We can have extensive information, data, and facts about something and not ‘know’ a thing about it. Without understanding, we have no idea how to interpret the information we have, or put it to use. Throughout scripture God invites us to gain wisdom, which is the ability to understand and use the knowledge we posses; because knowledge, in and of itself, is useless until put into context.

As we’ve seen, knowing the 23^rd Psalm does not equate to knowing The Shepherd. The difference is not only life-changing, but eternal, and knowing the Shepherd makes all the difference in navigating our daily lives.

If you do not know Him, I invite you to come today, and experience the goodness, mercy, and love of the Shepherd.

Prayer

“Father God, I thank You for always guiding and protecting me as I walk this earth. Lead me in the path You’ve set before me this day. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”