Today’s reading: Romans 2:25-29; Jonah 3:6

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures…

Psalm 23:1-2

As a young woman, I started collecting sheep. Wooden ones. Stuffed ones. Ceramic ones. Soon, my collection inspired gift-giving by others. What should I get Tracy for her birthday? I know! A sheep! The ovine herd on my shelves and counters reminded me of Psalm 23. I loved envisioning the Lord as my Shepherd, providing for my needs.

“I shall not be in want,” we read today. “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters.”

Sometimes my “needs” are really “wants.” Often I choose to reside (physically or mentally) in places that leave me overwhelmed, exhausted, tempted. But our Savior lovingly leads me to a place of calm and rest, where I can then focus on Him and His will for me.

Paul explains to the Romans in today’s verse that what we call ourselves (Jew, Christian) does not save us. Faith in Jesus saves us. “What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all!” Paul writes. 

Praise God that in a world where we are daily tempted, taunted and tormented by unrighteousness, our Shepherd has provided us with the green pastures and quiet waters of His presence in which to reside. 

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your Son, and for bringing us to the waters of baptism, where we are welcomed into your family of faith.

Contributed by Tracy Dunn