557. The Shepherd’s Question Mark

“I was talking with one of my neighbors last night,” Stan began, “about his faith walk.  How he got started and how he progressed.”

“Find out anything?” I asked.

“I did,” Stan replied.  “And it always amazes me how many different ways God has for drawing people to Him in an ever-deepening relationship.”

“I gather that your neighbor had a story to tell,” I said.  “What was it?”

“His story was not unlike mine,” Stan replied.  “He described himself as having been a ‘nominal Christian’.  He had his ticket to glory, but that was about the extent of his relationship with God.  As I said, not unlike me!”

“So, was there something that changed for him?” I asked.

“There was,” Stan replied.  “A funeral service.  A friend of his died.  At the funeral service, the twenty-third Psalm was printed in what was handed out for the order of the service.  My neighbor said that while he was waiting for the service to start, he read the first verse over and over.”

“The part about the Lord being the shepherd?” I asked.

“Exactly,” Stan replied.  “My neighbor said it was clearly God speaking to him through that verse.  He said it was like God asking him, ‘Am I your shepherd?’  The man admitted that for the first time he had to confront that question.  His answer was ‘No’, and it changed forever his faith walk.”

“In what way?” I asked.

“He said he went home after the service,” Stan responded, “and spent several hours talking with God about His role as the Shepherd.”

Continuing, he added, “The man said he had no doubt that Jesus was his Savior in that he knew where he is going when it is time for his funeral service, but he did not know Him as Lord and Shepherd for the time remaining on this side of eternity.”

“He was probably sorry that his friend died,” I replied, “but I bet he was really thankful for the funeral service.”

“That’s exactly what he said,” Stan replied.  “He said his life on this side of eternity has never been the same since that day.  God opened him to a life-changing truth in one verse, by turning it into a question!”

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The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  Psalm 23:1.

Prayer:  Thank you, Father, for your provision of everything I need for both sides of eternity.  Life eternally in your presence when it is time by my acceptance of your salvation through Jesus’ finished work on the cross.  Included in your every provision is the eternal life of knowing you and Jesus ever more deeply on this side of eternity.  Thank you for all of the truths you have for me if I will only be open to see and to hear.  I confess that too often I am not open because I choose not to be open.  Please forgive me.  And please, Father, help me in following every step of your lead, wherever and however it may occur, to be totally open to all you have for me for the relationship you want and intend.  Thank you I can and do bring these prayers  before you in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

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Think on this:  Is the Lord your Shepherd?  If not, why? What would it look like for Him to fill that role in every aspect of your life?  

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Comments, questions, suggestions, and the like can be addressed to S. Tory Teller at: waiting4thetrain@gmail.com.