Lambs and shepherds, come away!

Today (3rd May) is sometimes known as “Shepherding Sunday” and congregations throughout the world will be reading, singing, and/or listening to a version of the 23rd Psalm, arguably the best known and most loved of all the psalms.

Twice in the last week I have been asked to include it in a forthcoming funeral service, though as a reading rather than sung given that there will be ten or fewer people permitted to attend the crematorium.

In each case, the deceased himself has left this request. One gentleman was an elder with many years’ to the Kirk Session and in the congregation generally, while the other gentleman was not a church member, at least not at the time of his death. I find it interesting that these two different people felt drawn to the same passage of scripture – but not surprising.

The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want

He makes me down to lie

In pastures green he leadeth me

The quiet waters by

My soul he doth restore again

And me to walk doth make

Within the paths of righteousness

Even for his own Name’s sake

Yea though I walk in death’s dark vale

Yet will I fear none ill

For thou art with me, and thy rod

And staff me comfort still

My table thou has furnished

In presence of my foes

My head thou dost with oil anoint

And my cup overflows

Goodness and mercy all my life

Shall surely follow me

And in God’s house for evermore

My dwelling place shall be.