Lost Shepherd: What Believers Once Knew about Psalm 23 That the Modern World Has Forgotten

by Mark Fugitt

You are not the first sheep to follow the Shepherd; and you will not be the last.

For 3,000 years, people of faith have found meaning and comfort in the 23rd Psalm. This widely known song has had an impact across time and culture. But in the twenty-first century, this psalm appears idle. For many, it only serves as a short reading at the end of funerals. How did this happen?

Most books about Psalm 23 focus only on the interpretation of the author. Many are wonderful, yet they offer only perspectives of modern Christians. Lost Shepherd seeks to enrich the meaning of a passage many Christians believe is almost “too familiar” to appreciate. This book is the perfect cure to break Psalm 23 out of the category of nostalgia and return it to relevance in our daily lives by looking far into the past.

Lost Shepherd allows readers to stand with the sheep who have gone before, revealing a better look into the face of our Shepherd. Each chapter examines a line from the psalm and discusses how it has encouraged devotion over the centuries and continues to feed our souls today. Rediscover lost interpretations and consider how Psalm 23 can form your spirit, serving as a source of wisdom for a new generation of Christians.

208 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2023

Reviews

[Becka · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those wanting a deep dive into Psalm 23, with a well-developed basis in research of historical sources, this is the book for you. I recently read another book about Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller, and wished it had gone into more detail. This book gives that detail that I was looking for. Using Lost Shepherd by Mark Fugitt in a small group setting would certainly lead to some rich discussions and a greater understanding of the intended purpose of Psalm 23 that many today miss out on.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gentle and inviting. I loved all the quotes from a variety of saints all throughout church history. The author wrote graciously and pastorally, even quoting people who would be easy to disagree with or were outside of denominational lines. What a Christ-exalting book!

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review. The full review will be available on my Instagram this coming week.

[Lucia Graziano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non mi era mai capitato di leggere un libro devozionale con questo taglio, e adesso mi domando stupefatta perché questo genere non sia più diffuso.

A onor del vero, non so nemmeno se possa essere corretta la definizione di "libro devozionale", perché se non fosse per alcune pagine di pura spiritualità e introspezione (di cui personalmente avrei anche fatto a meno, ma sappiamo bene che invece è esattamente ciò che cerca il lettore-medio di testi devozionali), quello di Fugitt potrebbe tranquillamente essere definito un saggio divulgativo sulla storia della preghiera. Originalissima la sua scelta di approcciare il salmo 23 attraverso il modo in cui autori diversi l'hanno interpretato e vissuto attraverso i secoli: si parte dai Padri della Chiesa e dai papi del Tardoantico per arrivare al funerale della regina Elisabetta, analizzando le mille diverse sfumature con cui le parole del salmo sono state interpretate dai teologi, dall'esegesi e dalla devozione popolare (es. quando e perché questo salmo diventa un must per i funerali, in area anglosassone? E mille altre curiosità di questo tipo).

Una lettura veramente interessante, mai pedante e sempre molto discorsiva nonostante l'apparente difficoltà della materia (che è filologia, dopotutto). Delizioso, veramente consigliato.

[Una copia di questo libro mi è stata donata gratuitamente dall'Abilene Christian University Press via Net Gallery, in cambio di una recensione]

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost Shepherd: What Believers Once Knew
4 stars

This is a very in-depth look at Psalm 23. The author has extensively researched and studied the very well known psalm and adding new insights into its meaning. Fugitt has also included the teachings of many well known preachers views on this psalm as well.
This book would make an excellent individual study as well as being a good choice for small groups also.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

[Kayla Kiphart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I will ever read Psalm 23 the same again! Fugitt does a tremendous job in tracing Psalm 23 throughout history and giving insights into what early church fathers believed about the Psalm and how it applies to us in the 21st century.
This book is probably in my top five for this year!

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the inclusion of centuries of commentary on Psalm 23