The Good Shepherd

We think of shepherds and flocks of sheep as an ancient lifestyle and career. But I just read about Someone who still shepherds a flourishing flock of sheep. In fact, He's not too far away from where you're reading this right now. Let me tell you a story about Him. 

It was a beautiful spring day. The air was warm but not hot, and the sun cast golden rays through the late morning air. The silent hush of morning was broken not only by the singing of birds but by distinct sounds of a traveler ambling down the deserted road. 

This dusty path was well-worn, but those who traveled it most were thieves and robbers. The wilderness offered a safe place for the guilty to retreat in hopes of escape and because of it's reputation, this road was rarely traveled by the innocent.

But not today. 

This morning, a young traveler was strolling down the road. His eyes were bright and observant. His feet were steady and moved with purpose. Occasionally, he stopped to inspect a plant by the edge of the road or to search for the bird singing so close to his ear. Where he was going, he wasn't quite sure. But he loved the ambiance that surrounded him and the thrill of the unknown. He hoped to find something exciting before returning home. 

A few moments later, he rounded a turn and found himself several yards from a sheepfold. He stopped and stared. Of course, he was startled to find a sheepfold so far away from town and right by a road notorious for its criminals. But he was stunned by what he saw. 

The door was wide open. Beyond the door was lush green grass; taller and greener than he'd ever seen. When he strained his ears, he could hear the cheerful gurgle of a stream that was hidden from his gaze by the high wall of the sheepfold. Beautiful, healthy sheep were grazing among the open pasture or laying in the refreshing shade of tall trees. The Shepherd was standing at the door, tall and graceful, with His back to the traveler. In His hand, He held a strong, steady staff. 

The traveler was about to approach the Shepherd when a movement caught his gaze. He turned. There were more sheep! Only, they were outside of the sheepfold across the road. Their wool was dirty and tangled. They were thin and frail. As he watched, they continued to eat leaves from nearby shrubs or short blades of dry grass. 

Something was wrong! Aside from the beautiful sheepfold, this Shepherd didn't seem to be doing His job!

"Good morning, friend!"

The traveler turned. 

"It's a beautiful morning for a walk, isn't it?" The Shepherd's voice was strong yet gentle.

"Look at your sheep!" the traveler exclaimed, disregarding the question. "They're terribly sick and pitiful; they look like they've been out here for days. Why aren't you herding them back into the pen? What kind of a shepherd are you anyway?"

The Shepherd smiled and leaned on His rod as He spoke. "I am a good Shepherd," He said simply. 

"But ... but ..." sputtered the traveler, too confused for words. 

The Shepherd motioned and the young traveler followed Him into the pasture. The sun was warm, the brook gurgled and splashed, and he caught the sweet scent of clover. The large flock of sheep were scattered contentedly throughout the spacious meadow. The atmosphere was one of peace and contentment. 

"I am a good Shepherd," He repeated. Sweeping His hand from side to side, He said, "I have made green pastures for them to lie down in! I have made a peaceful stream for them to drink from. They are safe and secure when they are here with Me." He smiled and love radiated from His weather-beaten face. "These sheep are Mine!"

He motioned outside to the few struggling at the woods' edge. "Those sheep chose to leave," He said.

"The door was open?" the traveler asked. "Or you just let them out? Or what?"

"I am the Door." the Shepherd smiled.

"You're what?" the traveler exclaimed. "You need to back up; I don't understand!"

The Shepherd's gaze fixated on the sheep inside His pasture once more. "These sheep are Mine," He repeated. "They're mine because I chose each one of them. I called them by name, and they chose to follow Me."

"You know all of their names?"

"Of course!" the Shepherd said with conviction. "I know every single one of their names. But I know more than that. I am intimately acquainted with each one of them, and I love them more than you could ever begin to imagine. I love them so much, in fact, that I am willing to die for them!"

He continued, "I am the Door. No one can come into this sheepfold without my permission. Thieves and robbers pass through here all the time, but they cannot enter this pasture unless I let them in. The sheep in this flock are safe and secure because they know I protect and fiercely defend them."

"But those sheep out there ... " the traveler was motioning outside again. 

The Shepherd laughed. "You're getting ahead of Me, friend. You see, I want my sheep to follow me because they want to; not because they have to. If they don't want to be a part of My flock, I do not require that of them. I am the Door, and if they decide to leave I do not stop them."

The traveler gazed again at the peaceful pasture. His forehead creased into a frown. "I don't understand," he said. "Why would a sheep want to leave this beautiful oasis you've created?"

"Being My sheep isn't always easy," the Shepherd said. "I have another pasture several miles from here just like this one. But between here and there is a valley. It's deep and very dark. Sometimes, it only takes several hours to get through it, but if the weather is bad, it often takes days. Occasionally, sheep die in that valley. I walk through the valley with them. I use my rod and my staff to direct them through and to comfort them. I never send them through alone. But they know how dark and scary it is; sometimes they try to avoid it."

"And sometimes," He went on, "I allow a robber into the pasture. Sometimes He hurts the sheep and frightens the little ones. Sometimes he stays awhile, causing the fearful ones to panic. It is during these times that some of My sheep wish to leave the pen. They don't trust Me enough to take care of them. They think if they leave, life will be easier."

He sighed. "And so I let them go. Often, they return when they discover that the dangers outside are more frightening than the ones I allow. But some sheep," He nodded outside, "are too stubborn to admit that they've failed. I am the Door, and if they wish to return, I will welcome them in with open arms."

"And all of this makes you a good Shepherd?" the young traveler hardly looked convinced.

"Yes," He replied. "My sheep have a choice; I never pressure them into following Me. If they do, I will protect and fiercely defend them. If they are Mine, no one can snatch them out of My hand! Even in the valley of the shadow of death, I am there with My rod and staff. Even when attacked with evil, I hold them and even carry them through. In fact, it's often in those dark, scary moments that I get the opportunity to remind them how much I love them. And after a storm when they just need to rest, I provide clear, pure water to drink and fresh green grass to eat. I always promise to restore their souls."

"Wow." The traveler said. "That's dedication."

"It's because I love them," the Shepherd replied with passion. "I am a good Shepherd. And I have proved it by giving My life for them!"

John 10:1-30 . Psalm 23

This isn't just any Shepherd; this is MY Shepherd and what's even more, this allegory is by no means exhaustive! When I arrived at the 10th chapter of John, I got stuck there for a while. I think I might be stuck there for quite a while longer. And even then, I doubt I'll be able to unpack it all. After reading about my Shepherd and His Father, I don't think I have any right to complain about the circumstances of my life ever again. 

❤