“. . . contempt.”
We know the phrase well. First coined by Geoffrey Chaucer in one of his Canterbury Tales, the statement reminds us that becoming too familiar with some thing, or some place, or someone can cause us to lose respect or take for granted.
We have probably experienced this truth in our own lives. We move to a beautiful area and then, after a year or two, we don’t really see or appreciate that beauty as much.
Last week in church, we read Psalm 23 together (one of the most recognizable chapters in the Bible), and I found myself falling into that trap of familiarity. The words were coming out of my mouth but not penetrating my heart. So I forced myself to focus on these familiar words.
The result?
A fresh realization of God’s tremendous love.
That first phrase—“The Lord is my Shepherd”— sets the stage and the tone.
Shepherds of old had the following characteristics:
And these were human shepherds watching over real sheep. How much more the—observation, understanding, recognition, patience, protection, vision, guidance and commitment to our future—does our perfect and holy Heavenly Father have for us.
Join me over the next few weeks to re-engage with one of the most beautiful biblical chapters of love ever written.
(Information on shepherds taken from various sources.)
We know the phrase well. First coined by Geoffrey Chaucer in one of his Canterbury Tales, the statement reminds us that becoming too familiar with some thing, or some place, or someone can cause us to lose respect or take for granted.
We have probably experienced this truth in our own lives. We move to a beautiful area and then, after a year or two, we don’t really see or appreciate that beauty as much.
Last week in church, we read Psalm 23 together (one of the most recognizable chapters in the Bible), and I found myself falling into that trap of familiarity. The words were coming out of my mouth but not penetrating my heart. So I forced myself to focus on these familiar words.
The result?
A fresh realization of God’s tremendous love.
That first phrase—“The Lord is my Shepherd”— sets the stage and the tone.
Shepherds of old had the following characteristics:
- “They observed their sheep closely to understand their individual temperaments and to recognize the ‘not normal’ signs that indicated an injury or distress.”
- They had great patience and stamina and to work with little sleep in challenging conditions.
- They defended their flock from predators.
- They had a “vision for the flock’s future and were committed to its welfare, providing guidance and protection.”
And these were human shepherds watching over real sheep. How much more the—observation, understanding, recognition, patience, protection, vision, guidance and commitment to our future—does our perfect and holy Heavenly Father have for us.
Join me over the next few weeks to re-engage with one of the most beautiful biblical chapters of love ever written.
(Information on shepherds taken from various sources.)
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