Despite the absence of sheep...
Illustration
Despite the absence of sheep and shepherds in most urban settings, the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd pervades our spirituality. Of all the Psalms, even the most biblically illiterate have usually heard of Psalm 23 and its startling opening statement, "The Lord is my Shepherd." There is something immensely powerful and comforting by visioning the presence of God in such a protective, nurturing way.
In a church named for the Good Shepherd in northern California, there is a window placed high above the altar. It is beloved by the congregation for its depiction of Jesus and the sheep, the very metaphor for their lives as Christians. What attracts visitors to the picture is the sense of protectiveness and peace which the window gives.
Members of the congregation point out aspects of the scene and especially to one grey lamb, scuttling away with only a backward look of its shoulder. It is that Iamb, more than all the others, which focuses attention on the window. For it is this one which reassures the viewers of Jesus' promise: "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
- Hedahl
In a church named for the Good Shepherd in northern California, there is a window placed high above the altar. It is beloved by the congregation for its depiction of Jesus and the sheep, the very metaphor for their lives as Christians. What attracts visitors to the picture is the sense of protectiveness and peace which the window gives.
Members of the congregation point out aspects of the scene and especially to one grey lamb, scuttling away with only a backward look of its shoulder. It is that Iamb, more than all the others, which focuses attention on the window. For it is this one which reassures the viewers of Jesus' promise: "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
- Hedahl
