Someone sent me this story:  

A famous actor was once invited as guest of honour to a dinner at a retirement home. After the meal, there were various accolades about the actor’s illustrious career and finally, he was asked to recite something. He asked if there was a special request from the audience. 

The people were rather shy and not that familiar with his repertoire. Then an old pastor stood up. 

“Won’t you recite Psalm 23 for us?” 

The actor was a bit taken aback because he was actually known for his portrayal of Shakespeare. 

“With pleasure,” he said charmingly. “I think I still know the words.”  

When he began to recite with his beautiful voice and pure intonation, the audience was hanging on his lips. Never before had the sounds of the famous Psalm fallen so melodiously on their ears. When he finished, spontaneous applause erupted. 

“Thank you, thank you very much.” 

The actor was touched by the audience’s appreciation for his effort. Spontaneously he said: “But now I would like to ask a favour. Won’t the person who requested the Psalm also recite it for us?” 

“I?” asked the elderly man of God in surprise. “I don’t know anything about the art of recitation. And my voice is already rather shaky. But if you ask it as a favour, I can’t refuse.”  

The actor gestured him to the front, but the old man smiled: “I’ll just stand right here at my seat.” Then he began to recite in his somewhat croaky voice. 

At the end of the Psalm there was no applause, but the entire audience sat with bowed heads and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. 

“Do you see the difference?” asked the actor, himself moved. “I reached your eyes and ears, but this man has touched your hearts. For you know, I know David’s Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd … 

Wow, that’s so touching.  

25Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls. 

Thank goodness for the Shepherd who came to fetch me when I strayed. He paid for me on the cross and now I can live forever.   

The question I must ask myself the question, is: Do I know the Psalm, or do I also know the Shepherd on the cross personally? 

Scripture
1 Peter 2:21-25 

Reflection
Do you know the Psalm?
Do you know the Shepherd?
Do you know Jesus personally? 

Prayer
Jesus, I know I still lean a lot towards the world, but my heart belongs to You. I long for a personal relationship with You. Amen.