Read Psalm 23
David wrote this Psalm (song). He was a shepherd as a youngster growing up. Came from a large family of which he was one of the youngest boys, hence the job taking care of the sheep.
Story is told of how David’s sheep were threatened on two occasions by a bear and a lion. The Bible reports that David used his slingshot and in one case tore an animal with his bare hands to protect his sheep. This certainly illustrates the special relationship that a shepherd has with his sheep.
David knew by firsthand experience that God would be with him during his darkest hours and help him through the toughest obstacles.
During times when we face the reality of death, we ask ourselves whether or not we can trust our God and whether or not we can trust His communication to us (the Bible).
This Psalm (Song) plays a comforting melody assuring us of God’s care and protection during this time of mourning.
A story about an old man and a young man on the same platform before a vast audience of people.
A special program was being presented. As a part of the program each was to repeat from memory the words of the Twenty-third Psalm.
The young man, trained in the best speech technique and drama, gave, in the language of the ancient silver-tongued orator, the, words of the Psalm.
"The Lord is my shepherd ..." When he finished, the audience clapped their hands and cheered, asking him for an encore so that they might hear again his wonderful voice.
Then the old gentleman, leaning heavily on his cane, stepped to the front of the same platform, and in a feeble, shaking voice, repeated the same words-"Lord is my shepherd. . ."
But when he was seated -no sound came from the listeners. Folks seemed to pray. In the silence the young man stood to make the following statement:
"Friends," he said, "I wish to make an explanation. You asked me to come back and repeat the Psalm, but you remained silent when my friend here was seated. The difference? I shall tell you. I know the Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd."
Today you were made aware of the Psalm, but do you know the shepherd? Have you had a personal encounter with God?
He is the only One that can assure you the comfort and tranquility spoken of in this Psalm.
Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies--pain, suffering, disease, injury--but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word.
Only one person can walk with us through death’s dark valley and bring us safely to the other side--the God of life, our shepherd. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this shepherd who offers us eternal comfort.
Jesus claimed to be the Good shepherd.
If you want to know about the hope that Jesus claims to bring, I invite you to take “The Book of Hope” home with you and study it out for yourself. This booklet is recognized by 100’s of denominations and many have found hope within its pages.
We came here to mourn but we also came here to rejoice that _____name of the person who died______ is in a better place.
Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Today I ask you to look at this through God’s eyes.
Though this is difficult for us as we mourn, God is welcoming _______ into His open arms.
Today, we release her to the Lord.
Pastor Vinnie Cappetta, PhD
Cornerstone Community Church
Marlborough MA
faithandreality.com
