When the Word becomes flesh

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalm 23:1–6 KJV)

This Psalm speaks to us about our need desire to love and be loved. It speaks to us about God’s protection, care and his invitation to come to rest.
It is the description of the green pastures of a soft, fresh God made grass that is strong enough to sustain us and carry our weight.

It does not matter how old you are, old or young, strong or week, male or female. What matters is that you hear the whisper of God’s Spirit telling you that you are invited to sit and have a meal with the God of the universe. Just imagine that! He has laid out a table in front of our enemies so that we can only pay attention to our host, to the one who is sitting next to you.

There is something so powerful about this Psalm that once you know it, once you memorise its words, they become you, and you can’t get away from the invitation to encounter the Lord.

This is Esmilda Leal, my grandfather’s sister, and she is 105 years old. This is how the word becomes flesh.