October 15
. . . Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15
Near my home is a sheep farm, tucked away where no one would ever guess in this busy area. Whenever I drive by, I marvel at the peaceful, paschal scene presented before me as the lambs meander about contentedly on endless green grass, appearing oblivious to the traffic nearby. Little did I know at first, the degree of effort it has taken the shepherds of these beautiful creatures to keep them safe from the hazards of their environment. Lambs are not predators by nature, in fact they are the hunted; therefore they rely completely on their shepherd for protection. Food, of course essential to their well-being, is also a very effective means to control the flock, to control their actions, as is true with most animals. (B. F. Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning readily understood with this family which includes dogs!) Lambs also completely rely on their shepherd to lead them to good areas of grazing and/or to provide them with nutritious food. In turn, the lambs have total faith in their keepers and follow their lead without hesitation. It is a bond of give and take, of loving care and survival, of providing and trust. How like our relationship with God! Jesus refers to us as “lambs” in this passage and several times throughout Scripture. Typically, a lamb is a young sheep; in the throws of finding it’s way, of learning from the others in its herd how to survive. Sheep thrive on the company of the others in their flock and recognize and remember human faces for years(1) and they look constantly to their shepherd for direction. So like us!
No matter our age we are still young in our faith. There is much to learn and much to reflect on, as we find our way in this life, as we cope with the changes that occur often in the blink of an eye. Not unlike lambs, we realize more each day that we are part of a flock - His flock; that we need each other to balance our lives and to survive. The faces of those we love are etched in our hearts; never to be forgotten even when we are separated from them in this life.
How we need our Good Shepherd, Jesus! For when we are lost and cannot find our way back, we know He will find us and and we will recognize Him! Once again we will be nourished and in a safe place. In our vulnerability we look to Him with trust; for direction, for protection, for the love and care only He can give. We can continue to go forward each day in faith, knowing that He will always be there for us - our Good Shepherd - constantly, constantly, feeding our souls.
Shepherd of my soul, I will follow you always.
1: Wikipedia
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson
. . . Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15
Near my home is a sheep farm, tucked away where no one would ever guess in this busy area. Whenever I drive by, I marvel at the peaceful, paschal scene presented before me as the lambs meander about contentedly on endless green grass, appearing oblivious to the traffic nearby. Little did I know at first, the degree of effort it has taken the shepherds of these beautiful creatures to keep them safe from the hazards of their environment. Lambs are not predators by nature, in fact they are the hunted; therefore they rely completely on their shepherd for protection. Food, of course essential to their well-being, is also a very effective means to control the flock, to control their actions, as is true with most animals. (B. F. Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning readily understood with this family which includes dogs!) Lambs also completely rely on their shepherd to lead them to good areas of grazing and/or to provide them with nutritious food. In turn, the lambs have total faith in their keepers and follow their lead without hesitation. It is a bond of give and take, of loving care and survival, of providing and trust. How like our relationship with God! Jesus refers to us as “lambs” in this passage and several times throughout Scripture. Typically, a lamb is a young sheep; in the throws of finding it’s way, of learning from the others in its herd how to survive. Sheep thrive on the company of the others in their flock and recognize and remember human faces for years(1) and they look constantly to their shepherd for direction. So like us!
No matter our age we are still young in our faith. There is much to learn and much to reflect on, as we find our way in this life, as we cope with the changes that occur often in the blink of an eye. Not unlike lambs, we realize more each day that we are part of a flock - His flock; that we need each other to balance our lives and to survive. The faces of those we love are etched in our hearts; never to be forgotten even when we are separated from them in this life.
How we need our Good Shepherd, Jesus! For when we are lost and cannot find our way back, we know He will find us and and we will recognize Him! Once again we will be nourished and in a safe place. In our vulnerability we look to Him with trust; for direction, for protection, for the love and care only He can give. We can continue to go forward each day in faith, knowing that He will always be there for us - our Good Shepherd - constantly, constantly, feeding our souls.
Shepherd of my soul, I will follow you always.
1: Wikipedia
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson