John 10:1-18
The Good Shepherd imagery has resonated with me for most of my life. Early on, my grandmother taught me to recite Psalm 23 from memory. “Savior like a Shepherd Lead Us” was sung at my wedding. For the nursery of my infant daughter, we chose “The Lord is My Shepherd” as the theme and decorated it with painted lambs on the wall and stuffed animals.
I’m not sure why this imagery connects with me so deeply. The only time I’ve encountered real live sheep was seeing them at the County Fair. I must say, they are not as cute and snuggly looking in real life. But at the core of my faith is the belief that God is the Good Shepherd: one who loves me intimately, guides me faithfully, protects me fully, and gives his life for me.
A colleague of mine had the opportunity to visit Ireland while serving as the accompanist for a touring choir. He got to meet an actual shepherd, of the lives-out-in-the-countryside-with-the-flock sort. He said that shaking hands with the shepherd was remarkable. The tops of his hands were scarred and rough from his daily labor, but the palms were incredibly smooth, since sheep’s wool is a natural source of lanolin.
How does this hardness/softness image of the Good Shepherd inform our understanding of God?
…A shepherd’s voice must be strong to call out for the lost/yet the shepherd has soft hands to anoint, heal, and bless
…A shepherd’s life is hard, living outside on the move, making sacrifices to those in his care/yet gently he carries the lost sheep in his arms back to safety
…A shepherd’s heart is brave, confronting storms and trials, giving shelter and protection to his flock/yet ultimately His hands are pierced, choosing vulnerability for the sake of love.
If Christ is the Good Shepherd, then those who follow him are inevitably shaped into shepherd-people. We are not owners, not saviors, but caretakers entrusted with love. How can we carry this image of being a shepherd into our lives as Christians, as we toil to make God’s love known in the world around us?
Questions for Reflection:
- Read Psalm 23. How does the idea of the Good Shepherd help your understanding of who God is?
- How does the role of a shepherd inform how you care for the people around you?
Listen:
Shepherd Me O God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v4UJ1G-sM8
Prayer:
Thank you for being my Shepherd. Gently lead and guide me and bring me safely home in your arms. Amen.
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