“I Know The Shepherd” – Bible study

The story is told of a Shakespearean actor who was known everywhere for hisone-man shows of readings and recitations from the classics. He would alwaysend his performance with a reading of Psalm 23.

Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation …. “The Lordis my Shepherd, I shall not want“. the crowd would listen attentively. Andthen, at the conclusion of the psalm, they would rise in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor’s incredible ability to bring the verse to life.

But one night, just before the actor was to offer his customary recital of Psalm 23, a young man from the audience spoke up. “Sir, do you mind iftonight I recite Psalm 23?”

The actor was quite taken aback by this unusual request, but he allowed theyoung man to come forward and stand front and center on the stage to recitethe psalm, knowing that the ability of this unskilled youth would be nomatch for his own talent.

With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the psalm.When he was finished, there was no applause. There was no standing ovationas on other nights. All that could be heard was the sound of weeping. Theaudience had been so moved by the young man’s recitation that every eye wasfull of tears.

Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, “I don’t understand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime ofexperience and training, but I have never been able to move an audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your secret?”

The young man quietly replied, “Well sir, you know the Psalm.I know theShepherd.”

Unknown Author

Dear reader, there is indeed a big difference in merely quoting the Psalm and knowing the Shepherd! (John 10:14; 1 John 2:1-6). Do you know the Shepherd?