This is reprinted from the September, 1972 edition of Plain Talk, a publication of the Oaks West Church of Christ in Burnet, Texas. Robert F. Turner was the editor.
I wouldn't trade, "Grampa, I love you!" for an hour of oratory. A warm look of trust or a child's touch is praise far exceeding mere words. And I am persuaded that the heavenly Father would have us talk to Him and with Him, rather than about Him. Perhaps that is why I am intrigued by a shift of pronouns in the beloved 23rd Psalm.
David begins, "The Lord is my shepherd...He maketh me to lie down...", speaking of the Lord in the third person. The psalmist is talking about the Lord. "He leadeth me...He restoreth my soul..." This continues through verse three.
Then in verse four, there is a change to the second person. David begins to talk to or with the Lord. Now it is, "Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me." The first portion is a tender testimonial of David's love for the Lord and declares the personal relationship of the Shepherd and sheep but it is a declaration. It tells others something about the Lord. The second portion loses sight of all others and speaks directly to the Shepherd.
I am reminded of a story heard long ago, about a social gathering where guests were asked to contribute something to the occasion. Many recited poetry and one eloquent speaker made a theatrical production of the 23rd Psalm. The next in line was an unlettered man, now greatly embarrassed because the 23rd Psalm was the only "poetry" he knew. He was forced to repeate what had just been recited by the talented gentleman.
There was a stir among the guests as he began his halting, unpolished presentation. But "my" Shepherd was more than words to this man. As he followed David into his close, personal relationship with the Lord, he forgot about the audience. He ceased to talk about the Shepherd and began to speak to Him. The room grew quiet.
And when he had finished, the eloquent man arose to apologize for his "production." "I know the 23rd Psalm well," he said. "But this man knows the Shepherd."
Of what value is a well worded prayer that stops at the ceiling?
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