There was once a Shakespearean actor who was known
everywhere for his one-man shows of readings and
recitations from the classics. He would always end his
performance with a dramatic reading of Psalm 23.
Each night, without exception, as the actor began his
recitation - "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want"..
the crowd would listen attentively. And then, at the
conclusion of the Psalm, they would rise in thunderous
applause in appreciation of the actor's incredible ability
to bring the verse to life.
But one night, just before the actor was to offer his
customary recital of Psalm 23, a young man from the
audience spoke up. "Sir, do you mind if tonight I recite
Psalm 23?" The actor was quite taken back by this
unusual request, but he allowed the young man to
come forward and stand front and center on the stage
to recite the Psalm, knowing that the ability of this
unskilled youth would be no match for his own talent.
With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the
words of the Psalm. When he was finished, there was
no applause. There was no standing ovation as on other
nights. All that could be heard was the sound of tears.
Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the
youth, "I don't understand. I have been performing
Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime of experience
and training - but I have never been able to move an
audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your
secret?"
The young man quietly replied, "Well sir, you know
the Psalm... I know the Shepherd."
-- Author Unknown
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