Dear Friends,

One of the most familiar and comforting passages of Scripture has to be the 23rd Psalm.  Most often read at funerals and at the bedsides of those who are sick, Psalm 23 reminds us that as we journey through this life we are never alone.  God’s presence is with us, like a shepherd, providing for our deepest needs, giving us rest and renewal in green pastures and by the still waters.  The guidance, protection, and comfort offered by God the shepherd is all that we need, even in death’s darkest shadow, even in the presence of enemies.

 

The 23rd Psalm is, by all accounts, the most comforting and affirming passage I can think of.  And yet, it is the last line of that Psalm that sometimes causes me to worry – “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”  In the original Hebrew, what we translate as “follow” is more like “pursue.”  God, in other words, is always chasing us down, pursuing us, relentlessly seeking us out until he finally gets his hands on us.

 

I have heard it many times: “I tried to run from God, but God finally got hold of me.”  The Psalmist would say, quite simply, “I told you so.”  Ours is a God who will not rest until he’s got his hands on us.

 

I hope to see you Sunday.  We’re back to our regular format – 9:00am and 10:45am.  

 

Yours,

 

Rev. Mark