He Knows the Shepherd

A story warms my heart every time I think of it regarding Psalm 23.

A young man was an ambitious Hollywood up-and-comer in the movie industry. He finally obtained a small part in a successful film and was invited to the opening night party with all the cast. On a whim he invited his uncle, a retired elderly pastor who happened to be in town, to come with him to the party. The old preached agreed and enjoyed doing a bit of star gazing. Late in the evening the star of the film, a man with a legendary voice (think Richard Burton/Gregory Peck) offered to recite anything that people would request. He went thru various Shakespeare soliloquies and a few famous scenes from movies, when the preacher asked, "Recite Psalm 23."

The actor thought a bit and then said, "Ok, I will, if you will recite it after me."

The actor beautifully recited the Psalm, playing on every inflection and moving his audience with his sonorous voice. When finished, the crowd broke into cheers.

Keeping his commitment, the old preacher in a cracked and tired voice moved lovingly through the Psalm, pausing with a tear in his eye when reciting "the valley of the shadow of death". When he finished, there was not a dry eye in the room.

The crowd began discussing the varied reaction and asked the actor what he thought. He wisely answered, "You see, I knew the Psalm, but He knows the Shepherd."

That I may know Thee, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent...