The Good Shepherd.

Long before the cross became the symbol for the Christian church, there was the image of the shepherd. The image of a young shepherd holding a very large sheep was the image craved into catacombs walls and into early church altars. Drawing from Jesus words in John 10 were he tells us that He is the Good Shepherd and that He will lay down His life for the sheep. This image has been very important for many Christians as they struggle with life. It is usually Psalm 23 that is read at many a hospital visit, shut-in call, or funeral.

Why? I believe is it because as God's children we need to be reminded that we are always being watch after and cared for. The world is a scary place with many lions and bears who are out to destroy both body and soul. To remember that God watches over us just as a shepherd watches over a sheep helps us in our daily grind. No where in the bible does it say that life will be easy. In fact it tells us just the opposite. We should not be surprised that in Mexico we have wars and rumors of wars, then plagues, food and other things become hard to get, and just wait to see what the weather will bring this storm season. These are all reminders to those who listen and look that evil is in the world.

However, right alongside this is the reality that Jesus the Good Shepherd watches over us. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death we will fear no evil, for you rod and your staff they comfort me. Jesus our Good Shepherd is here with us and while we remain close to him nothing in all of creation can separate us from His love. What good news that is for us today.

So as the world continues to follow its present course to self destruction, we who are God's sheep follow a different path. A path mark out for us by Jesus who lifts high His holy cross and leads us to green pastures and still waters of heaven and a life with him. Indeed, we have a Good shepherd who cares for us, died for us, and rose again for us. In life what more could we ask for? What more do we need?