The first picture of
Christ that I remember seeing was not the famous Solomon’s Head of Christ.
Rather it was a big picture of Jesus, the Good Shepherd which was hanging in
my parents bedroom. Jesus is shown surrounded by the flock holding one lamb
cradled in his arms and looking down at it in tender loving affection.
To this day, when I think about Jesus, this is usually the image I have of
him. I think it is easy to relate to Christ this way. It is so down to earth
in it’s imagery. It says much about Jesus. It says much about us as well. It
speaks of a caring nurturing Lord, who is willing to lay down his scepter
and crown to pick up a rod and staff. He is no longer simply the distant
Lord of Glory, but he is the one who holds me to his bosom and cares for me.
Of course, every image of Jesus, tells us something about ourselves as well.
If Jesus is the shepherd, then we must be His sheep. The first part of this
is comforting and humbling at the same time. It is humbling in that we know
that as sheep we are dependent on the shepherd for everything. The shepherd
protects the flock. The shepherd feeds the flock. The shepherd grooms the
flock. The shepherd tends the flock. But the comforting side of this is that
we are HIS sheep. He is the one who has all the resources to protect, feed,
groom and tend us lovingly forever.
The Twenty-Third Psalm is the single most beautiful expression of this
relationship between the Good Shepherd and His flock. In the series of
lessons beginning next week we will be taking an in depth look at the
wonderful lessons found in this very familiar scripture.
Take time this week to read this old favorite. Let it sink into you until
you see that picture of Jesus the Good Shepherd as part of your life.