An Emphasis Lesson

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides 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 love will follow me, all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalms 23

There are passages of scripture that almost everyone knows. Not many I regret to say, but other than John 3:16, I would say that the 23rd Psalm is probably the most recognizable Biblical reference, by far. Think about it for a moment, no other chapter is as well known. The only other possible comparison is Genesis 1:1, but Genesis 1:2 is sure harder. You could quote a bunch of the Ten Commandments, but maybe not where to find them or the Lord’s Prayer. Because it is known by its chapter number, I believe the 23rd Psalm maybe just about the best known chapter in the Bible.

So, we’ve heard it more than any other, seen it on plaques, key chains, bookmarkers, and heard it at funerals, referenced by public figures and pastors and quoted, even from memory, extensively. Sometimes familiarity makes it more difficult to reconnect with, or make it special. We almost take it for granted, glossing over the words and plowing to the end.

Let me recommend an exercise today as you read it one more time to try to bring it to a fresh appreciation. Try to read the first sentence, putting the emphasis on a different word as you read the first verse a number of times. I’ll write it out putting the EMPHASIS word in CAPS each time. I hope you do this exercise, please read slowly, particularly the EMPHASIS word. He truly is our Shepherd and we are so very grateful for the precious words in the 23rd Psalm.

Enjoy, Pastor Fred

THE Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
The Lord IS my shepherd, I shall not want.
The Lord is MY shepherd, I shall not want.
The Lord is my SHEPHERD, I shall not want.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
The Lord is my shepherd, I SHALL not want.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall NOT want.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not WANT.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I SHALL NOT WANT!

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