The Good Shepherd

Other than Father, the most common metaphor we are given in scripture for understanding who God is to us is SHEPHERD.

Nomadic pastoralists are very connected to the animals they herd. Around the globe the animals change: camels, reindeer, horses, llamas, cattle; but the relationship of dependance is the same. The livelihood, reputation and identity of the nomad are all tied up in the sucess of his herd. Every part of their lives is determined by the animals needs; calving, breeding and the search for water and good pasture are the deciding factors in the pastoralist’s life. Being a herdsman is not what a pastoral nomad does. It is who he is.

A herdsman has many responsibilities when it comes to taking care of his herds. What are daily, mundane tasks become powerful metaphors for the care that God has for us:

He leads - it is the herdsman’s job, not the animals, to determine direction because only he knows the path ahead.

He provides food and water - If the herdsman cannot move the animals to these resources he must, sometimes at great expense, bring food and water to the herds.

He fends of predators - Wolves, lions or packs of dogs, the herdsmen must be willing and able to defend their herds or they will be scattered or devoured.

He seeks the lost - It is not uncommon for animals to wander away from the herd. They are a valuable resource and must be recovered.

He cares for the injured - Immunisations and medications are given to the herd. Everything possible will be done to keep an animal healthy. A weak animal will never go unnoticed.

Psalm 23:1-4

The Lord is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

protect and comfort me.

When you imagine God as your Good Shepherd which aspects of his care are you in need of right now?