Dearly Beloved in Christ,

In archaeological digs of very early Christian meeting places one of the most frequently found images is that of a shepherd with a sheep laid across his shoulders.  These early images are in fresco or mosaic form, and a century or so later appear also in Christian iconography.

Through the Old Testament prophets God frequently refers to himself as the shepherd of his sheep, and promises that he will send his servant who will "feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom." (Is 40:11)  The above image is doubtless derived from Jesus' parable of the lost sheep in Luke's Gospel where the shepherd goes searching for the one lost sheep until he finds it, and upon finding it: "he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing." (Luke 15:5).  Any doubt as to whether Jesus is referring to himself in this parable is dispelled in the tenth chapter of John's Gospel when he clearly proclaims: "I am the Good Shepherd."

In the same discourse, however, he also refers to himself as the "door of the sheep."  Middle Eastern shepherds lived a hard life, moving from pasture to pasture.  Before nightfall they would gather up brambles, make a perimeter with one opening.  As night fell they would lead the sheep into the safety of this makeshift sheepfold, and then they would lie down in the opening - both shepherd and gate - any animal going in or coming out would have to pass over the shepherd's body.  The sheep within the fold found safety through the protection of the shepherd's body.

"I am the door.  If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture ... I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:9)

Walls do not provide security.  Proximity to the shepherd keeps us safe.  "O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads."
   

In His Peace, Grace, and Love,
Rev'd Sarah+

 

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Safe Travel: Joan Dawson