Highly recommended reading filled with hope,
encouragement, and life-changing applications.
encouragement, and life-changing applications.
James Collins takes readers through the 23rd Psalm – giving readers the experience of one of the most popular Psalms in the Bible. He describes Psalm 23 as a psalm for all of life. When faced with trials, tribulation, sorrow, and death – the Psalm gives comfort to all. When in need of hope – Psalm 23 gives comfort and courage to all who would seek to understand that we are His chosen people and we are the sheep of His (Christ’s) pasture. And He is the Good Shepherd, the Shepherd who cares for the sheep. There is no other Psalm like the 23rd Psalm to help one understand the care that the Shepherd gives to His sheep.
Within that the author endeavors to help readers understand the deeper meaning of the contrast between saying that Jesus is My Shepherd. The line that struck me was there are no wild sheep. If sheep run they will die in the wild. As such, he defines the absolute care and protection that the Shepherd brings to His flock. The Shepherd cares for each and every one, as a shepherd in the field cares for the sheep. He also mentions that even though Psalm 23 is often read at funerals, Psalm 23 is a psalm for all the days of our lives – to give life and hope.
With such chapters as: That’s Enough, The Right Path, Through the Valley, Behind Enemy Lines, The Best is Yet to Come, I Am the Good Shepherd, Shepherds and the Lamb with a chapter on How to Receive Christ – making this book an experience of Psalm 23 and a life-changing Psalm.
I love the interludes, the thought-provoking stories, and the way he summarizes what he writes in a simplistic way without too much theology or long-winded preaching. The author speaks from the heart as a Biblical counselor and pastor that comforts.
Wonderful insight and Biblical integrity envelope the book, giving readers hope, inspiration, comfort, courage, and hope. All will see that walking with the Lamb of God as the Good Shepherd is the way to peace, contentment, and hope in this dark world. It is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. Experiencing this book brings a deeper appreciation for the Cross and a greater understanding of Psalms 22, 23, and Psalm 24 as well. It was David who penned these psalms, which are still incredibly relevant for today. They also reveal the magnificence of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who came to save the world and to die on a Cross for all who would receive Him. This is an exemplary book!
A highly recommended read for those looking for hope and encouragement amid fear, anxiety, worry, and depression – Psalm 23 is a lifetime Psalm for all.
Title: The Shepherd: Experiencing Psalm 23
By: James Collins
A CBM Christian Book Review
10.0 out of 10.0 stars
You may get your copy of The Shepherd: Experiencing Psalm 23 at Amazon or in Kindle as a download.
