Beloved,

This coming Sunday I will be preaching from the lectionary text, Psalm 23. It is a psalm we know by heart. We all grew up hearing it, praying it, or reciting it at some point in our lives. It carries a unique gift: it is simple in its imagery and language, yet deep, rich, and endlessly meaningful.

Psalm 23 takes us on a journey—from sheep to family, from farm to table.

It begins by speaking about a Shepherd who leads us, but it ends with us speaking directly to a Host who has prepared a table for us. Somewhere along the way, something shifts. That shift happens through dependence and intimacy. When we learn to trust the voice of God to lead us through dark valleys, our relationship with God deepens. We move beyond simply being sheep under a shepherd’s care and become family seated at the table.

Think about it this way. When shepherds talk to sheep, the language is usually directional: go this way, stop, rest, come. It is the language of guidance and protection. But when a host speaks to guests at a table that has been prepared for them, the conversation is different. That conversation is about relationships: How are you? What are your plans? What hopes and dreams do you carry?

I am grateful for the moments when God has been a shepherd to me. But I also long for the moments when God prepares a table for me.

So how do we get there? How do we move from farm Christianity to table Christians?

On Sunday I will share three distinct roles we must embrace to move from farm to table. The first is this: we must turn in our rods and staff.

Psalm 23 is clear that the Lord is our Shepherd. Many of us spend our lives trying to shepherd ourselves. Instead of relying on the Lord’s rod and staff for comfort, we often reach for our individual rods and staff as our source of security. But one of the most significant steps we can take toward the table is choosing to trust Christ as our Shepherd—laying down our own tools and allowing Christ to lead.

This week, pay attention to the moments when you feel tempted to pick up your own rod and staff. When we do that, we quietly take on the mantle of shepherd ourselves, and in doing so we place a burden on our shoulders that was never meant for us.

And here is the truth we sometimes forget – it is the shepherd who deals with the wolves.

I prefer Christ to confront the wolves in my life than try to fight them alone. But if Christ is going to face the wolves, then I must be willing to put down my rod and staff and trust the Shepherd.

Join us this Sunday as we continue the journey from farm to table. And remember this: if we are willing to accept Christ as our Shepherd, Christ is always ready to welcome us at HIS table.

Dr. Ron Bell, II