Participant #1

A seasoned professional, proudly wearing a #1 over his lapel, gripped the mic stand with one hand and he began to quote, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want….”

With the confidence of trained orator, he didn’t miss a single word of Psalm 23. They seemed to roll off his tongue and through his lips. He made the psalm breath with life and, when he finished, he received a raucous standing ovation.

Participant #2

An old man with a #2 penned to his shirt, shuffled to the microphone with a  worn copy of the Bible. Holding it up to help his eyes focus, he began with the same words: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want….”

Will labored breathing and a voice that cracked with emotion, he struggled through Psalm 23. Tears filled the crevices of his weathered face. You could barely hear him conclude, “I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” But, when he finished, a stilled hush filled the room and there wasn’t a dry eye in the assembly.

“WHAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE,” someone shouted. The emcee approached the mic and explained, “Ladies and gentlemen, tonight our first participant knew the psalm. He knew it well. But our second participant; well, he knows the Shepherd.”

I’m sure we all know — we can probably quote — Psalm 23. But, think with me for a moment. Be honest. Do we / do you really know the Shepherd?!