Tuesday, March 19, 2019
“The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want…” Psalm 23
This little Suffolk, born last week, had a rough start in life. Rejected by his mother, survival was dependent on human intervention. The farmer’s family began the process and then night duty was entrusted to the shepherd. So we had two little lambs home for a visit and regular bottle feeding. This one was the stronger of the two but both survived with some TLC.
Although there are some indications of a revival of consciousness, there is no doubt that our society, in recent decades, has become detached from the people who provide our food, food for the world. The same might be said of religious inclinations. The contemporary mindset either looks for easy answers or lapses into apathy …the personal connection is missing. Thus the oft repeated statement, “I am spiritual but not religious. I don’t commit to any creed in particular.”
Christians firstly, as individuals, have a Saviour, a shepherd, who searches out the lost and provides the TLC no matter what life’s journey brings. Secondly, we belong to a caring community of faith, the local flock which, in turn, is in relationship with the Body engaged with the world God so loves. And all of us, the newborn, the weak, the strong, the stalwart ewes and the old rams, are in need of the Shepherd!
For Further Reflection: John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me…and I lay down my life for the sheep.”