14 May Looking Towards Sunday
From the Pastor – Sunday Worship
“Bible study without Bible experience is [fruitless]. Knowing Psalm 23 is different from knowing the shepherd.” – Kingsley Opuwari Manuel
Psalm 23 is a favorite selection on my psalter playlist. I return to it repeatedly in prayer and study. And it often reveals new information that I can put to practical use. Just recently, for example, I pondered the phrase “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” and gained some up-to-the minute insight about what that might mean.
To get there, I considered the author’s experience. David had to contend with numerous adversaries in the course of his life. He faced opposition within his family (1 Samuel 16); and he fought the giant Goliath of Gath (1 Samuel 17); and his mentor/employer was envious of David’s success (1 Samuel 18).
In each instance, God — the good shepherd — neutralized the threat…provided protection…played the part of gracious host in the presence of enmity.
– Rev. Fredd