If there ever were a scripture that needed no sermon, Psalm 23 would be it. These timeless words have been etched into the consciousness of God's people for centuries. What would a funeral be like without the words of Psalm 23? What words have been more calming when read at a hospital bedside? This is indeed the scripture of all scriptures.
Trying to preach on this text, some may say, is a little like trying to repaint Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," or
re-chiseling Rodin's "The Thinker." And yet, that is precisely what we will be doing during the season of Lent as we preach a series called "The 23rd Way" on this beloved text. I will kick us off this Sunday focusing on the first words, "The Lord Is My Shepherd," and Gray will tackle the rest of the Psalm through Easter Sunday.
We invite you to spend time at home meditating and memorizing these words, as well as the related texts we will offer each week. Let them marinate in your consciousness and sink in and bring you peace during this Lenten season as we set our gaze toward the cross. Whatever circumstances surround you at such a time as this, may God's peace abide with us all as we journey together.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. -Psalm 23:1
Prayer for Today
O God, we don't need a cowboy to herd and brand us. We need a shepherd to guide and protect us. During this Lenten season, remind us that you are that shepherd. And therefore we have all that we truly need. Amen.