We are starting a new, occasional series at Cafe Church this Sunday entitled 'Hymns We Love'. In this series, we will take a closer look at the history and message of some well-known and much-loved hymns, including 'How Great Thou Art' and 'Amazing Grace'. This time, we will focus on 'The Lord's My Shepherd'.
'The Lord's My Shepherd' is based on Psalm 23 - a poem from the Bible written by Israel's King David. David started life as a shepherd boy. The psalm follows a year in the life of a shepherd and his sheep, drawing a comparison with how God cares for his people. A group of Scottish Protestants developed the words for the most popular version of the hymn, which first appeared in 1650. The tune 'Crimond' was written by Jessie Seymour Irvine in 1872.
Psalm 23 paint a picture of God as a loving, good Shepherd, who cares for his sheep deeply, travels every step of their lives with them, and will bring them safely to their eternal home.
" (God ) tends his flock like a shepherd: he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart." ISAIAH 40:11
We can't wait to see you at Cafe Church this Sunday and soak our hearts together in the beautiful message and tune of this hymn.