Read Psalm 23. Key Verse: he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (v. 7)
The 23rd Psalm, like the Lord's Prayer, is brief but powerful. In it are contained the millions of sermons preached from it and perhaps millions upon millions of people whose lives have been comforted, challenged, and changed by it. Written, it is believed by the boy David, it reflects a special relationship between him and God while at the same time inviting us to that same relationship. The relationship is defined; God is our shepherd, we are his sheep. Take note of that dear ones, for sheep are the ones the Lord favors, not goats. Sheep are obedient, goats are not. Sheep know the shepherd's voice, the goats can't stop talking long enough to hear anyone else, not that they would obey if they did. Sheep know the wisdom of the shepherd. They know that the shepherd knows just where to lead them. Sheep know the shepherd protects them. They also know the shepherd cares for them. Goats, not so much, if at all.
The 23rd Psalm has spoken to presidents, generals, ambassadors, heads of state, laborers, housewives and househusbands; all with the same message; in this relationship of obedience and trust, God can and does provide for us. Through the good and through the bad, the shepherd is with us. Even when the going gets really bad, God is there, and God's purpose is restoration and healing. And God is the host of a banquet where we can sit and know that with God on our side we can vanquish our enemies, sin and death, doubt and despair. It's our choice where we will spend our time. The shepherd king, as David would later become, wrote that he would dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
May this General Conference be a time when delegates and visitors feel the invitational spirit of the Shepherd. May it be a time when new relationships with God are formed and faithfulness will lead all to fruitfulness.
PRAYER: Move among us, loving Shepherd, now and always. Make Your invitational Spirit real and present in the hearts, minds, souls and bodies of the General Conference delegates, presiders, guests, and staff. May new relationships with You be formed, and may we truly become a Church of faithfulness and fruit. We pray this in Christ Jesus, precious Savior, powerful Shepherd, amen.
