January 22: The Third Sunday after the Epiphany
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. –Psalm 23:1-3
I’ve met many people in the end stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, who can no longer speak or even recognize a spouse they’ve been married to for fifty years. But if I begin to recite a few passages of scripture, they can recite with me.
Psalm 23 is one that they often know. Christians tend to know this passage well, that is, “by heart.” I sometimes wonder though if there’s a difference between knowing it “by heart” and knowing it well. I think it’s a great thing to memorize Scripture, and I think we should do much more, but there is a drawback, too. Certain phrases that we don’t get turn into sort of “filler phrases.” For example, the phrase in verse three “for his name’s sake” tends to get lost in the sheep and shepherd shuffle.
When we think of a shepherd, we need to keep in mind that this man’s livelihood completely depends on the health of the sheep. He buys these sheep, and he spends the rest of his days insuring that these creatures are fed, protected, and peaceful. His whole happiness depends on the status of the flock of sheep he’s watching over.
When God created Adam and Eve and put them in His magnificent garden paradise, they sinned. God could have said, “Forget it. Never mind. You blew it.” He could have called on his angels and said, “Kill them. I’m starting over.” He didn’t. Instead He promised to redeem them. He intervened to save them.
God invested His glory and reputation for the sake of His sheep. He didn’t diversify His portfolio; buying a few sheep, and, you know, just in case the sheep didn’t work out, a few varieties of bunnies, too. No, He put it all on the line for the sheep and included His own irreplaceable investment: His Son, the perfect lamb of God.
So, when God became a man, a sheep himself, it was as if He was signing His name on the dotted line. And you do know how God thinks about His name, don’t you? Scripture tells us, He is jealous for His name. When we recite the Ten Commandments together, we say, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” God doesn’t take His name lightly, folks, and He’s staking His name as the guarantee that He will lead you in paths of righteousness. What’s more, He guarantees you that because He has put you in the way of righteousness that you may live without want as you lie down to drink from the placid waters that restore your soul.
And that’s the gospel! Come hear it preached and enacted in the supper with Jesus this Sunday.
The related hymns we’ll sing are:
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
COMMUNITY LUNCH THIS SUNDAY!
The Community Lunch is this Sunday, January 22, following the worship service. It will be Italian themed. We are honoring our newlyweds Ruth and Jerry. These are always a great time together so plan now!
SUNDAY SCHOOL
The adult Sunday school class will continue in 1 Peter 3. Audio of the Sunday school lessons is now being posted each week on the audio page of the church website.
The children’s Sunday school classes meet on the top floor (you can use the elevator by the chapel if necessary). The adult class is on the basement level (again, the elevator is available) in what is labeled the “Disciples Class.” Coffee and treats begin at 9:15 and class beings at 9:30 (or so).
Visitors are always welcome!