As I've prepared the sermon for Sunday considering the image of the church as a flock my mind has constantly turned to Psalm 23, 'The Lord is my shepherd...'
Now what images does that conjure up for you?
Most often it's a picture of a white man with flowing blow dried hair, wrapped in a clean coat whilst tenderly cuddling a pure-as-white lamb in his arms. Someone who wouldn't hurt a fly let alone be able to defend the sheep from the wolves or bandits in the wilderness.
In the 19th century the Irish missionary J. L. Porter came across some shepherds in the northern Transjordan region, the same part of the world that led King David to write the Psalm. What he saw were men who wouldn't have looked out of place in the battlefields of Ukraine,
They looked like warriors [...] —a long gun slung from the shoulder, a dagger and heavy pistols in the belt, a light battle-axe or iron-headed club in the hand. Such were the equipments; and their fierce flashing eyes and scowling countenances showed but too plainly that they were prepared to use their weapons at any moment.
It is true that our Lord loves and comforts his sheep in the most tender ways. We are welcome to come and find rest and peace in him.
But this tenderness in no way diminishes power and protection of his flock. Armed with weapons of his rod and his staff he is able to lead his sheep, as it says in Psalm 23,
'Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
This tenderness and power we see perfectly in Jesus. The Lamb who is also a Lion. The one who was slain but also reigns and rule in victory over every power.
So, dear little flock, come and rest in the comfort and protection of your God, the Good Shepherd.
Grace & peace,
Andrew
eNews - 23rd August 2024