For many Christians this is the week of the annual Shepherding Sunday service. This is a service when the scripture passages of Jesus calling us his sheep are read alongside the widely loved 23rd Psalm.
Jesus begins by describing not a good Shepherd but imposters who try to get into the sheepfold acting like a Shepherd but ultimately not caring one ounce about the sheep (John 10:1). This is a warning that not all humanity is kind, generous or deserving of our trust. Jesus does offer a list of the characteristics of an authentic Shepherd which include knowing each sheep by name, going ahead of the sheep and sacrificing himself for his sheep.
Thing is, once you have met this Good Shepherd it makes all the difference. When he calls to your heart, you know it and when you begin to hear the melody of his love it becomes the tune that shapes your days. As author Barb Roose writes, “For me, I find comfort in knowing that beyond what I see in humanity, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who has never let me down.”
No matter what happens in life, nothing can take us away from our Shepherd; not betrayal, depression, job loss, debt or even death. Once we become a part of His flock we will never be lost to Him. We will never be beyond His gaze or His love.
And, this is exactly what David was writing about when he wrote the 23rd Psalm. He had become so acquainted with God while he was a Shepherd that the image of God’s care stayed with David throughout a tumultuous life. David knew that this Shepherd would never leave him but instead guide him through the valley of the shadow of death, along green pastures, beside still waters and into an eternal dwelling. David knew, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the day of my life…”.
May we all take time this week to listen deeply for the call of our Shepherd,
Blessings,
Rev. Heather McCarrel
Photo by Biegun Wschodni/Unsplash
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