Devotional Reading for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year B)

The psalm of the day is our focus, and our devotion comes from The Twenty-third Psalm: Arch Books.

Scripture Readings

Acts 4:1–12
Psalm 23
1 John 3:16–24
John 10:11–18

Devotional Reading

Outside of the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and John 3:16, Psalm 23 is one of the best-known Bible passages. Most people can quote at least some of it. The poetry and imagery used in this song of praise make it a joyful, comforting passage. . . .

Today’s families have little opportunity to spend much time around sheep, so we know little about them. That’s okay, but there are two things to keep in mind as we read this psalm: First, sheep have an undeserved reputation for lack of intelligence. They are, in fact, nearly as smart as pigs. However, sheep are social creatures and are easily led. They would follow the pack over a cliff if the lead sheep were to go that way. Second, sheep have poor vision. They can’t see very far ahead of themselves.

Why is this important to us? God uses sheep in Scripture because we are like them. We tend toward a pack mentality and are easily led astray. As this psalm teaches, we need our Good Shepherd to guide us away from harm and toward the safety of His grace and mercy.

We may have 20/20 vision, but we can’t see much beyond our own wants and desires. We can’t see the green pastures or still waters of our future. Only God knows what He has in store for us. Because we have faith in God the Son as our Good Shepherd, we can trust that He is our way to salvation and will protect us along the way.