There are many times that Jesus says "I AM". I am the way, and the Truth and the Light. I am the true Vine. I am the Bread of Life. I am the Light of the World. I am the Door. I am the Good Shepherd. It is the last two of which I have been thinking this week in relation to the Twenty-third Psalm. David, the shepherd boy, who learned early about the green pastures and still waters, knew well the responsibilities of a good shepherd who had to be watchful by day and by night. There have been many poems written, many songs sung, many pictures painted about the shepherds and their sheep in Biblical times. Sheep were so important to their living and a man's wealth was often measured by the size of his flock. The sheep were offered as a sacrifice, used as food, the milk was of great importance and the wool supplied many needs. The shepherd's clothing was made to fit his needs, a loose garment in the folds of which he could carry a lost or new born lamb, a cloak of sheepskin or wool that was protection by day or night.

Jesus said: "I am the Good Shepherd", and in the famous picture He is seen out in front guiding and leading the sheep, not driving them. A good shepherd guarded his flock at all times. He carried a staff to direct and guide the sheep and bring the wanderers back to the fold. Jesus said "I am the Door." There was no door to the sheepfold or enclosure and at night the shepherd lay across the opening ready to protect his flock from man or beast, with his rod ever ready for use. Each morning and evening as the sheep went through the opening, they were counted as they passed under the rod. Jesus said: "I know my own and my own know Me." So it is from actual experience with awkward, bewildered, helpless sheep and lambs that David sings, on his crude harp-strings of the Good Shepherd's faithfulness and of his own helplessness.

"A veteran stage star was asked to entertain at a large dinner party one evening. A ripple of excitement ran through the crowd of prominent and important guests as the great actor rose to speak. He chose the 23rd Psalm, and recited two verses before the audience realized they were in the presence of a master performer. He finished the recitation in a thunder of applause, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation as he walked to his seat.

"The next speaker was an elderly white-haired man, bowed and worn by long years of patient labour as a missionary ... 'I too, would like to recite the Shepherd's Psalm,' and he began quietly. Then turning his face upward a little, and closing his eyes, he began ... When he was through, all was quiet. No one said a word. There was no applause, but there was not a dry eye in the room ...