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The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalm 23) The words of Psalm 23 have brought comfort to millions the world over. They tell of the Lord’s desire to refresh his people and of his faithfulness to guide them safely through all of life’s trials—and even death—to his heavenly home. Jesus Christ is the shepherd so beautifully described in this psalm. He said, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Jesus gave his life for you and me, to pay for our sins. The Bible says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him [Jesus the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). Jesus calls us back to him, saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28); and, “I am come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Jesus died for us and rose again, forever breaking the power of sin and death. And now, seated at the right hand of the Father, he promises: “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, receive him today. Then the promises of Psalm 23 will be yours: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
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