Gentle Shepherd

I loved painting this picture with the shepherd so tenderly caring for the sheep. Many of the verses of scriptures referring to Christ as a shepherd continued to linger in my mind, especially the verses that gently invite us to hear his voice.

Or world is full of many voices demanding our attention, time, thought, and all of our energy. It’s hard to filter through them when so many speak wise flattering words that distract and deceive, entice and excite, and compete for our hearts. These voices often drown out the voice of He who knows our hearts and our potential and ultimately can help us succeed.

Jesus Christ is the good shepherd. Shepherds in bible times were deeply interested in every member of their flock and sought not only to provide for the well being of the sheep, but the very necessities of life and protection from any form of danger.

The voice of the good shepherd is always calling us to walk safer paths to greener pastures. Not only does he know each of us individually, He knows who we are and loves us deeply. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11. He loves each of us enough that he already has laid down his life for us. He went before us, experiencing anything we could possibly experience to know exactly how to succor us. Like the sheep learn to ultimately depend upon and love their master, so must we. For only He knows how to lead us safely home.

There are so many interesting facts about the manners and lifestyle of biblical shepherds. Their purpose for shepherding was not just because of the value and many necessities sheep provided for in those days, but to lead, love, protect, and provide for them.