Lately, my social media feeds have been filled with videos of Valais Blacknose sheep. These black-and-white sheep, especially the romping lambs, are incredibly cute and make me smile (but please don’t send more of them). I have no idea how cost-effective or profitable raising them is, but if I were a shepherd, I might be tempted to keep a few, just because of the cute factor.
The thoughts of sheep and shepherds bring to mind one of the world’s best-known Bible passages.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 ESV
Even many non-believers can recite these familiar words. Many people turn to them in times when they need comfort. The images are clear, and the text is theologically rich. I can’t begin to imagine how many times I’ve heard or read this little passage, or seen it referenced in some way.
Yet only recently did I notice something about Psalm 23 that may be obvious to others. A pronoun change.
It’s obvious that David knows of the Lord. The first few verses talk of Him; then the pronoun changes to something more relational. He becomes you. David not only knows of the Lord; David knows Him and has a relationship with Him.
Everyone knows something about God, whether they acknowledge it or not. Romans 1:20 is clear that we are without excuse. Yet only a relatively small number truly know Him and have a relationship with Him. There is a vast difference.
I know many things about famous people, present and historical, but I’m not actually friends with them. I can’t knock on their door at any time of day or night and be welcomed with open, loving arms. I can’t expect them to be ready to help me, bring me comfort or just be there to talk to.
Knowing about God is very different than actually knowing Him and being in a relationship with Him.
Do you know Him or just about Him? He’s calling you into relationship today.
Kevin
SUMMARY
I only recently noticed that, partway through Psalm 23, David stops speaking about the Lord and starts speaking to Him. He’s calling you to know Him too, not just know about Him.
TAKEAWAY
In Psalm 23, “He” becomes “you.” David didn’t just know about the Lord; he knew Him and had a relationship with Him.
Everyone knows something about God, and Romans 1:20 says we are without excuse. Yet relatively few truly know Him.
You can know plenty about famous people and still not be welcome at their door. Knowing about God is very different than knowing Him, and He’s calling you into relationship today.
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