The Good Shepherd

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

      Since September, our ladies Bible study group has been studying Psalm 23 with Jennifer Rothschild (via her videos).  Psalm 23 is one of those Psalms that seems to be especially loved by Christians and even non-Christians as well.  It has been such a joy to delve into its depths and get to know our Good Shepherd even better as we learn details that I failed to see in the past. 

      On our recent trip to Europe, I noticed various stained glass windows featuring Jesus as our Good Shepherd.  I'm sure I spotted them quicker than I would have done since I've been studying about sheep and shepherds.  I especially like the window above, showing our Savior lovingly carrying a lamb on His shoulders, gently holding his little paw in one hand.  What a precious picture of how Jesus carries us through life.  The window is in the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Bordeaux, France.

      Here is another window from that same church in Bordeaux.  Here, we see the sheep staying close to the Shepherd as He guides them with His staff.  As our Bible study has been pointing out -- we are so like sheep, needing guidance and protection and care on a daily basis.  I'm so thankful we have a loving Shepherd who has promised never to leave us or forsake us.  He is always right there, with His children (who are basically His sheep), enabling us to do what He calls us to do.

       I like this window in the parish Church of Corfe Castle in Dorset, England.  It illustrates the story found in the gospel of Luke 15:1-7, where Jesus says, "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing."

       Our Savior is ever vigilante to watch over our needs - always.

      I took this picture of sheep on an earlier trip to England.  It reminds me of Psalm 100:3, "Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture."

       Praise God, in the gospel of John, Jesus says to us, "I am the good shepherd,  The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep...I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.  As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep" 10:11-15.

      I suggest you read those six wonderful verses of Psalm 23 and meditate on the wonderful truth of their message.  Indeed, "My cup runs over" with the grace of my amazing Savior Shepherd.

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