I want to share a story I read several years ago. The famous old time Hollywood actor, director and producer Charles Laughton was fresh out of college and beginning his career as a stage actor in London in 1926. A friend invited him to Christmas dinner at his English manor and he eagerly accepted. They had a delicious five course meal and then they all moved into the parlor. The host announced that it was a family tradition on Christmas that everyone present shares a favorite scripture. As the guest, Charles Laughton started things off by standing and giving a dramatic recitation of the 23rd Psalm. When he finished everyone applauded and cheered. They continued around the room with each person quoting their favorite verse or passage of scripture. Finally they came to an elderly aunt who had dozed off in her chair. They gently woke her and asked if she had a scripture she would like to share. She nodded yes and in a soft voice she began, “The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want…” When she finished the 23rd Psalm, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Later, as they were saying their goodbyes, the host mentioned to the actor about the very different reaction he and the old lady had gotten. Charles Laughton replied, “The answer is simple my friend; I know the Psalm – she knows the Shepherd.” Sadly, reading his biography, it doesn’t appear that Charles Laughton ever got to know the Shepherd.
Many people, including me, have a personal relationship with the Shepherd through scripture. In my case, John 3:16 was what drew me to accept Christ as my Savior. But it was only then that the Bible took on deep significant meaning for me and I began to understand the full depth of that verse. Reading and studying scripture is an important part of the Christian life. However, you can read the Bible from cover to cover again and again memorizing chapter and verse; but without that personal relationship with the Shepherd, it is simply a mental exercise that is of no benefit to you.
Here is the King James Version that Charles Laughton and that elderly lady quoted. “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 leads 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 forever.”
Here is the NLT version that I normally use in my blog. “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength; He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”