Scripture: Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Thought for the Day: A sheep is a very vulnerable creature, especially when there is no shepherd. Sheep have no defense against predators except for the flock, yet their instinctive flight response causes the potential strength of the flock to be scattered and lost. Clearly, the scripture is speaking about the faith community being scattered and lost. They have recently walked through a dark and painful valley, yet they have emerged from the experience – trembling and stumbling and blinking as their eyes adjust to the light.
How often have we been that stumbling and blinking sheep coming out of the dark valley only to find ourselves running to the shepherd with gratitude. We dance joyfully, but as time passes, we find our joy waning. Our interest in the shepherd and the community of sheep diminishes, and we are ready to take on the world by ourselves…only to find that the naive independent approach leads to another dark valley.
Prayer: Lead me – guide me – encourage me, O Shepherd of Grace, and when I wander away because of self-righteousness, be the one who gently draws me back into the strong fold. Amen.
SUNDAY’S SERMON
Based on the 23rd Psalm
Special Dance at the 8:15am Service
