"Sammy And His Shepherd": Seeing Jesus In Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in the entire Bible. Its poetic beauty and comforting words have brought solace to countless individuals throughout history. While many may view it as a psalm about the Lord's provision and care for His people, there is a deeper layer to this ancient text. Today, we explore the story of Sammy and his shepherd, as they discover the presence of Jesus within the verses of Psalm 23.

Sammy was a young shepherd boy who found great joy in tending to his flock of sheep. He would spend long days in the fields, leading his sheep to green pastures and quiet waters, just as described in Psalm 23. One evening, as the sun began to set, Sammy sat under a tree, reading his favorite psalms aloud to the sheep.

As he recited the familiar words of Psalm 23, Sammy couldn't help but wonder what it truly meant for the Lord to be his shepherd. He pondered the significance of each line and how it connected to his own experiences as a shepherd. Little did Sammy know, his curiosity would soon lead him on a journey of divine revelation.

Sammy and His Shepherd: Seeing Jesus in Psalm 23

by Susan Hunt (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3784 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	56 pages

FREE

Verse 1: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."

Contemplating the first verse, Sammy thought about the deep relationship he had with his sheep. Just as a shepherd provides food, water, and protection for his sheep, Sammy realized that the Lord does the same for him. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, ensures that His followers lack nothing. By offering Himself as the ultimate sustenance and provision, Sammy began to understand the role of Jesus in his life.

Verse 2: "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters."

Sammy's heart stirred with emotion as he considered the abundant peace and rest that came from being in the presence of his shepherd. He recalled the times when he led his sheep to lush pastures and calm streams, providing them with nourishment and tranquility. It became clear to Sammy that Jesus, his Shepherd, not only leads him to physical refreshment but also to spiritual rejuvenation.

Verse 3: "He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake."

As Sammy continued his reflection, he contemplated the transformative power of his shepherd's guidance. Just as he directed his sheep along the right paths, knowing that it would benefit both them and himself, Sammy realized that Jesus, too, leads His people along the perfect paths for their ultimate well-being. Jesus refreshes the soul, ensuring His followers stay on the righteous path, for it brings glory to His name.

Verse 4: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

The nights in the open fields could be daunting for Sammy and his sheep. Many times, they faced the treacherous darkness, filled with unseen dangers and unknown threats. Yet, Sammy drew immense comfort from the knowledge that his shepherd was by his side, protecting him with his rod and staff. Translating this to his own life, Sammy realized that Jesus, too, walks with His followers through the darkest valleys, providing unwavering comfort and protection.

Verse 5: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

Imagining a lavish feast set before him, Sammy marveled at the abundant provision and protection offered by his shepherd, even in the presence of enemies. Reflecting on this verse, Sammy understood that Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, prepares a spiritual feast for His disciples, regardless of the challenges and adversaries they may face. The overflowing cup symbolized the abundant blessings that would continue to overflow in Sammy's life.

Verse 6: "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Sammy's heart soared as he meditated upon the promise of eternal dwelling in the house of the Lord. Fully comprehending the enduring nature of his shepherd's goodness and love, Sammy recognized that Jesus, too, promises His followers an eternal home in the presence of God. He felt a deep sense of gratitude and contentment, knowing that he would be forever cared for by his shepherd, Jesus.

As Sammy closed his Bible, tears welled up in his eyes. The words of Psalm 23 had come alive before him, unraveling the profound connection between his earthly experience as a shepherd and the divine presence of Jesus in his life. Sammy had encountered Jesus in the most unexpected way, within the beautiful prose of an ancient psalm.

Today, may we be like Sammy, open to seeing Jesus in the familiar verses we often recite. May we allow the words of Psalm 23 to penetrate our hearts, reminding us of the Good Shepherd who cares for us, provides for us, and guides us along the paths of righteousness. Let us find solace and comfort in knowing that Jesus walks with us through every valley and invites us to dwell in His house forever.

Sammy and His Shepherd: Seeing Jesus in Psalm 23

by Susan Hunt (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3784 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	56 pages

FREE

In Sammy and His Shepherd, veteran children’s writer Susan Hunt takes youngsters on a delightful trip through Psalm 23 from the point of view of a sheep named Sammy.

Sammy lives happily under the care of his faithful shepherd. But one day he meets a sheep from another flock, one who lives in misery because her shepherd is not so caring. Eventually, to the delight of both of them, Sammy’s shepherd buys the needy little sheep for his flock and gives her a name—Precious. Thereafter, Sammy tells Precious all the wonderful things about their shepherd. At first, Precious has a hard time believing that the shepherd can be so good. But eventually, as she sees the shepherd pouring out his energies for the good of his flock, she comes to trust him, for she sees that he loves his sheep unconditionally and sacrificially.

Each chapter of Sammy and His Shepherd is an exploration of a passage from Psalm 23. As they work through the book, children will grow in their understanding of the metaphors the psalmist used in composing this beloved poem. But more important, they will gain a deeper appreciation for the one who is the subject of the psalm: the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Captivating illustrations by Corey Godbey help Sammy and Precious come to life for children. A special section in the back of the book provides Bible passages, discussion questions, and activities to reinforce the lessons of each chapter.