"Is the Lord YOUR Shepherd?" (Psalm 23)

It is a tragic truth that many people who really have never come under Jesus' direction or management claim that "The Lord is my shepherd." They seem to hope that by merely admitting that He is their Shepherd somehow they will enjoy the benefits of His care and management without paying the price of forfeiting their own fickle and foolish way of life. They seem to hope that by merely quoting the Psalm, that the Lord becomes their Shepherd! I have news for you. It doesn't happen that way! Either we belong to the Lord or we don't. A famous actor was an after dinner speaker at a big fund raising function. He was well known for his voice because when he stood up to speak, he invited his audience to choose a poem for him to recite. After a long silence, an older preacher raised his hand and asked for Psalm 23. The actor was highly taken back, but agreed to read the Psalm provided the preacher recite it after him. The old man agreed to it! So the actor recited Psalm 23 and received a rousing ovation. Then the preacher recited the Psalm, and there was not a dry eye in the house! Upon seeing this reaction from the crowd, the actor went over to the old man and said to the crowd, "Do you know the difference between his version and mine?" "I know the 23rd Psalm, but this man knows the Shepherd!" The Lord Jesus Himself warned us that there would come a day when many would say, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness" (Matthew 7:22-23). It is a most serious and sobering thought which should make us search our own hearts and motives and personal relationship to Him. Do I really belong to Him? Do I really recognize His right to me? Do I respond to His authority and acknowledge His ownership? Do I find freedom and complete fulfillment in this arrangement? Do I sense a purpose and deep contentment because I'm under His direction? If so, then with real gratitude and joy I can proclaim, just as king David did, "The Lord is my shepherd!!" Your move. Be encouraged!