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Psalm 23 is without a doubt one of the best-known Psalms. Even folks who do not follow Jesus know it or snippets of it. The Psalm of the Good Shepherd King.
I can’t tell you how many times I have read, recited, chanted, and sung this Psalm in my life. But it was only recently that it struck me that the same Good Shepherd who tenderly leads the flock in his care to places of rest and restoration…still, cool pools of refreshing water and lush, verdant, nutritious pastures where the very core of each lamb is fully restored…this same Shepherd also leads his flock through the deepest, darkest, life-threatening valleys of life. However, the fact remains that while the topography and environment may change, the Shepherd is still leading, guiding, protecting, and providing the very best for the flock in His care.
There is a banquet table prepared there, set within the context of dire peril…in the very presence of the things and the people who seek to do us harm…like the thieves and robbers in the parable of the Good Shepherd. But on this lavishly laid table, indeed in the very midst of this table, stands a Cup or a Chalice, if you will, that is not only full of God’s very best blessings, but it is overflowing.
The Psalm ends by revealing to us the certain hope that is unshakeable and irremovable for those who trust the leading of the Shepherd wherever regardless of the setting or the situation. There is no doubt in the mind of the Psalmist. He dwells in the home of the Almighty Creator, Sustainer, Ruler, and King of all that exists.
The end of 2019, the whole of 2020, and the beginning of 2021 has been the deepest, darkest, most life-threatening valley through which we as a couple have been led by our Good Shepherd King. But while the storms raged and the flood waters threatened to engulf us and drag us under, He was right there by our side…invisible, often imperceptible…at times the sense of isolation and loneliness was almost crushing…but He was present, nonetheless.
It seems, this Good Shepherd King has seen fit to bring us through this period of dangerous vulnerability into a place of tranquillity once again. Because of the timely intervention of our wise and discerning leadership in SAMS-USA and other dear, caring friends, we are now in a place where we can rest and be restored. We will be here for a while. While we do long to see you all and spend memorable moments with you, it is best that for the moment we stay reposing on the lawn of His compassion. Pray with us that His Cup of blessing and kindness may sustain us and heal us on every level.
The good news is that Breakfast on the Beach will be published in June, God willing. We will let you know when it is available.
Louise did an outstanding job on writing a grant proposal for the Tools4Life centre in Villiersdorp and we trust that their leadership and their board members will continue to explore the possibilities in her absence. I am very proud of my wife.
Thank you for being part of our support system. May our gracious Lord bless you even more than you bless us.
With all our love and prayers
Johann and Louise |
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