Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 8, "The Great Shepherd", Page 50.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
PHOTO: The
market was noisy and dusty. Just a while earlier, the place had been
quiet and cool in the early morning. Then one by one they came, and soon
the narrow streets were seething (moving in a rapid or hectic way)
with humanity. The farmers were there, with shining faces, anticipating
the speedy sale of their crops. The cobblers, carpenters, and peddlers
were there too, hoping to make their living off whatever they could
offer. The rich were surveying the goods on sale, with more money than
they could comfortably carry. The poor were there as well, tired and
worn out, struggling to survive in a world that did not care for them.
Beggars, widows, and orphans walked about, reduced to an existence
beneath the dignity of a human being, yet hoping for a few morsels (bits) of human kindness.
Jesus watched the crowd and saw their individual faces, some lined with despair, others the perfect portrait of sadness, and yet others cast in anxiety. Confusion was etched on some faces, while others reflected the boredom of mindless routine. Jesus saw the crowd and saw that they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36).
"Sheep without a shepherd". To us, that phrase may not resonate as powerfully as it did in the first century, when Jesus uttered those words. After all, we don't often see sheep and shepherds. We may not fully appreciate the relationship that sheep have with their shepherds. But the first-century people who heard Jesus knew what He meant.
Life was tough then. Just imagine life without the modern medicines we are so used to. Imagine a world without anaesthesia. What would life be like in a society where lifespans were generally short? For the Jews, their land was under the rule of a foreign power - the Roman Empire. God seemed to have gone silent for 400 years. The people at least had some assurance that God had not forgotten them when He still spoke to them by the prophets (though their messages were often not pleasing to the ear). But for so long mow, heaven had shut its doors and earth had become a living hell for so many - "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd".
THE SHEPHERD
It was to this kind of world that Jesus came, proclaiming himself as the good shepherd of Israel (John 10:11). It took time for people to understand this and to grasp the great truth that He was in fact the shepherd of all peoples. This idea came from the Old Testament, where God called himself the shepherd of His people (Ezekiel 34:11-14). He promised to find the lost and those who strayed, to rescue the perishing, to nurse the wounded, and to feed the hungry. This shepherding God can best be understood as the God who makes a covenant with His people. He cares for His people and loves them.
God is shepherd not only to a community, but also to individuals. Hence, the psalmist could confidently declare: "The Lord is my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). God is the shepherd of our souls. He feeds, protects, guides, and bless us on our journey in life.
THE SHEPHERD LOVES
Jesus brought this rich Old Testament understanding into His proclamation of hiimself as shepherd of God's people. In fact, by proclaiming himself as shepherd, He revealed that He was God. As shepherd, He knew His sheep and recognised them (John 10:3, 14). By elaborating on the bond between shepherd and sheep, Jesus brings our attention to the shepherd's love for his sheep, which is the heart of their relationship.
In His parable of the lost sheep, Jesus paints a dynamic and poignant (piercing) picture of the shepherd's love (Luke 15:3-7). He leaves the 99 other sheep in safety, and, as the sky darkens rapidly and the temperature drops steeply, sets out to find the lost sheep, loss probably because it had wondered away, either through distraction or plain wilfulness. The shepherd could have written off that one sheep. Why take the trouble to rescue a silly animal? And yet, off he went in search. This story is a window into the heavenly shepherd's love for us.
This love is perfectly manifested when the shepherd lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). Can you see how much the shepherd loves you? Could you doubt His tender mercy? Don't you realise that even when you wander away, having forgotten Him, He chases after you? The English poet Francis Thompson put it so well in his poem, "The Hound of Heaven". [1a]
I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;
I fled Him, down the arches of the years;
I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways
Of my own mind; and in the midst of tears
I hid from Him, and under running laughter.
Up vistaed hopes I sped;
And shot, precipitated,
Adown Titanic glooms of chasmèd fears,
From those strong Feet that followed, followed after.
But with unhurrying chase,
And unperturbèd pace,
Deliberate speed, majestic instancy,
They beat—and a Voice beat
More instant than the Feet . . .
Jesus the shepherd of our souls who gave His life for us, wants to care for us and bring us home. He finds, heals, feeds, and protects us, as shepherds protect their sheep from predators. No wonder Paul declares: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Knowing who his shepherd is, he can confidently say that nothing can separate him from his shepherd's love (Romans 8:37-39).
THE SHEPHERD LOVES YOU
How terrible and tragic to wander the earth without a shepherd. When a man is lost and all alone, he is acutely aware of his condition. But in a crowd of lost people, he can easily miss the truth. The people in those ancient Galilean streets were lost and Jesus had compassion on them. In our modern world, the streets and the scene may be different, but the human conditions is the same. The good shepherd, the great shepherd of our souls (Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25) is still gathering His sheep. Do you know Him as your shepherd? Do you recognise His voice? Do you allow Him to lead you? Do you know His presence? Have you experienced the joy of letting His shadow fall on you? What a joy to be guided and daily fed by the great shepherd, whose voice is rich with wisdom and whose heart is full of love.
Jesus watched the crowd and saw their individual faces, some lined with despair, others the perfect portrait of sadness, and yet others cast in anxiety. Confusion was etched on some faces, while others reflected the boredom of mindless routine. Jesus saw the crowd and saw that they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36).
"Sheep without a shepherd". To us, that phrase may not resonate as powerfully as it did in the first century, when Jesus uttered those words. After all, we don't often see sheep and shepherds. We may not fully appreciate the relationship that sheep have with their shepherds. But the first-century people who heard Jesus knew what He meant.
Life was tough then. Just imagine life without the modern medicines we are so used to. Imagine a world without anaesthesia. What would life be like in a society where lifespans were generally short? For the Jews, their land was under the rule of a foreign power - the Roman Empire. God seemed to have gone silent for 400 years. The people at least had some assurance that God had not forgotten them when He still spoke to them by the prophets (though their messages were often not pleasing to the ear). But for so long mow, heaven had shut its doors and earth had become a living hell for so many - "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd".
THE SHEPHERD
It was to this kind of world that Jesus came, proclaiming himself as the good shepherd of Israel (John 10:11). It took time for people to understand this and to grasp the great truth that He was in fact the shepherd of all peoples. This idea came from the Old Testament, where God called himself the shepherd of His people (Ezekiel 34:11-14). He promised to find the lost and those who strayed, to rescue the perishing, to nurse the wounded, and to feed the hungry. This shepherding God can best be understood as the God who makes a covenant with His people. He cares for His people and loves them.
God is shepherd not only to a community, but also to individuals. Hence, the psalmist could confidently declare: "The Lord is my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). God is the shepherd of our souls. He feeds, protects, guides, and bless us on our journey in life.
THE SHEPHERD LOVES
Jesus brought this rich Old Testament understanding into His proclamation of hiimself as shepherd of God's people. In fact, by proclaiming himself as shepherd, He revealed that He was God. As shepherd, He knew His sheep and recognised them (John 10:3, 14). By elaborating on the bond between shepherd and sheep, Jesus brings our attention to the shepherd's love for his sheep, which is the heart of their relationship.
In His parable of the lost sheep, Jesus paints a dynamic and poignant (piercing) picture of the shepherd's love (Luke 15:3-7). He leaves the 99 other sheep in safety, and, as the sky darkens rapidly and the temperature drops steeply, sets out to find the lost sheep, loss probably because it had wondered away, either through distraction or plain wilfulness. The shepherd could have written off that one sheep. Why take the trouble to rescue a silly animal? And yet, off he went in search. This story is a window into the heavenly shepherd's love for us.
This love is perfectly manifested when the shepherd lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). Can you see how much the shepherd loves you? Could you doubt His tender mercy? Don't you realise that even when you wander away, having forgotten Him, He chases after you? The English poet Francis Thompson put it so well in his poem, "The Hound of Heaven". [1a]
I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;
I fled Him, down the arches of the years;
I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways
Of my own mind; and in the midst of tears
I hid from Him, and under running laughter.
Up vistaed hopes I sped;
And shot, precipitated,
Adown Titanic glooms of chasmèd fears,
From those strong Feet that followed, followed after.
But with unhurrying chase,
And unperturbèd pace,
Deliberate speed, majestic instancy,
They beat—and a Voice beat
More instant than the Feet . . .
Jesus the shepherd of our souls who gave His life for us, wants to care for us and bring us home. He finds, heals, feeds, and protects us, as shepherds protect their sheep from predators. No wonder Paul declares: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Knowing who his shepherd is, he can confidently say that nothing can separate him from his shepherd's love (Romans 8:37-39).
THE SHEPHERD LOVES YOU
How terrible and tragic to wander the earth without a shepherd. When a man is lost and all alone, he is acutely aware of his condition. But in a crowd of lost people, he can easily miss the truth. The people in those ancient Galilean streets were lost and Jesus had compassion on them. In our modern world, the streets and the scene may be different, but the human conditions is the same. The good shepherd, the great shepherd of our souls (Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25) is still gathering His sheep. Do you know Him as your shepherd? Do you recognise His voice? Do you allow Him to lead you? Do you know His presence? Have you experienced the joy of letting His shadow fall on you? What a joy to be guided and daily fed by the great shepherd, whose voice is rich with wisdom and whose heart is full of love.
Picture posted by Peakpx
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAfWpuDpoJhPZi3oWtnoxxvETsLJ92MPBY2EY-jKaOwxJGfNdQmI_RK7-DQ8poSBOvLPmQixpzQ8z3DVa3tGxquQWlf_Z3lP9bdctzl2z-prqPvhZ4l2LhBJ7_zs6ltjdvzQ9sdQJzCd0iKna1gxWWlOZLgyllee0_5kBxh0WY85CtmNmhAR0FbpCIbw/s1422/HD-wallpaper-yeshu-masih-painting-art-king-of-jews-lord-god.jpg
https://w0.peakpx.com/wallpaper/478/805/HD-wallpaper-yeshu-masih-painting-art-king-of-jews-lord-god.jpg
https://www.peakpx.com/en/hd-wallpaper-desktop-wnhqo
The market was noisy and dusty. Just a while earlier, the place had been quiet and cool in the early morning. Then one by one they came, and soon the narrow streets were seething (moving in a rapid or hectic way) with humanity. The farmers were there, with shining faces, anticipating the speedy sale of their crops. The cobblers, carpenters, and peddlers were there too, hoping to make their living off whatever they could offer. The rich were surveying the goods on sale, with more money than they could comfortably carry. The poor were there as well, tired and worn out, struggling to survive in a world that did not care for them. Beggars, widows, and orphans walked about, reduced to an existence beneath the dignity of a human being, yet hoping for a few morsels (bits) of human kindness.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAfWpuDpoJhPZi3oWtnoxxvETsLJ92MPBY2EY-jKaOwxJGfNdQmI_RK7-DQ8poSBOvLPmQixpzQ8z3DVa3tGxquQWlf_Z3lP9bdctzl2z-prqPvhZ4l2LhBJ7_zs6ltjdvzQ9sdQJzCd0iKna1gxWWlOZLgyllee0_5kBxh0WY85CtmNmhAR0FbpCIbw/s1422/HD-wallpaper-yeshu-masih-painting-art-king-of-jews-lord-god.jpg
https://w0.peakpx.com/wallpaper/478/805/HD-wallpaper-yeshu-masih-painting-art-king-of-jews-lord-god.jpg
https://www.peakpx.com/en/hd-wallpaper-desktop-wnhqo
The market was noisy and dusty. Just a while earlier, the place had been quiet and cool in the early morning. Then one by one they came, and soon the narrow streets were seething (moving in a rapid or hectic way) with humanity. The farmers were there, with shining faces, anticipating the speedy sale of their crops. The cobblers, carpenters, and peddlers were there too, hoping to make their living off whatever they could offer. The rich were surveying the goods on sale, with more money than they could comfortably carry. The poor were there as well, tired and worn out, struggling to survive in a world that did not care for them. Beggars, widows, and orphans walked about, reduced to an existence beneath the dignity of a human being, yet hoping for a few morsels (bits) of human kindness.
PHOTO: The market was noisy and dusty. Just a while earlier, the place had been quiet and cool in the early morning. Then one by one they came, and soon the narrow streets were seething (moving in a rapid or hectic way) with humanity. The farmers were there, with shining faces, anticipating the speedy sale of their crops. The cobblers, carpenters, and peddlers were there too, hoping to make their living off whatever they could offer. The rich were surveying the goods on sale, with more money than they could comfortably carry. The poor were there as well, tired and worn out, struggling to survive in a world that did not care for them. Beggars, widows, and orphans walked about, reduced to an existence beneath the dignity of a human being, yet hoping for a few morsels (bits) of human kindness.
Picture posted by Zoe Ministries
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7aEQenx6bRavs4wNDXP7PLsirk2Wel3xOFxS5DBNUt7azLhYmWrsKHcBp31jaxf0U6-iXt51sfZu4oU03bGDSNUisFd_3L59IMsogji3WBlO0mlHYmZ8qOMUNiMcKuj3lJq9il87_jjU1BNsBwumJ77b9-zr55f4CYZ9zJU5ZOq2tAOFZHc4xN4Kmao/s1200/e6fea6b113784a07fbfaeb60f073f704-1.jpg
https://bishopjordan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/e6fea6b113784a07fbfaeb60f073f704-1.jpg
https://bishopjordan.com/does-it-mean-to-be-a-prophet-in-the-marketplace/
Jesus watched the crowd and saw their individual faces, some lined with despair, others the perfect portrait of sadness, and yet others cast in anxiety. Confusion was etched on some faces, while others reflected the boredom of mindless routine. Jesus saw the crowd and saw that they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36).
"Sheep without a shepherd". To us, that phrase may not resonate as powerfully as it did in the first century, when Jesus uttered those words. After all, we don't often see sheep and shepherds. We may not fully appreciate the relationship that sheep have with their shepherds. But the first-century people who heard Jesus knew what He meant.
PHOTO: Jesus watched the crowd and saw their individual faces, some lined with despair, others the perfect portrait of sadness, and yet others cast in anxiety. Confusion was etched on some faces, while others reflected the boredom of mindless routine. Jesus saw the crowd and saw that they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36).
Picture posted by Ralph, Ai Artist
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5lY5mMTt8uji6VoCZXc6xBuBP7AR39M2aOSiHEVbjVItiLil-QVpd2KC1757J6qELQwz428n-326wj0PiTWcSKPpriZ5mj2X8aJiwcL5FsZ7ewvmU8cvZArzFkReGn3Hooo1TRMWzjva5y9o1OYKPPzfZWmhFy2DRmeoy0gFcWmtM0H14ZDgaonciBc/s4368/in-a-bustling-marketplace-jesus-engages-in-conversation-with-people-from-all-wa-r4nmmefy_1.png
https://images.pixexid.com/in-a-bustling-marketplace-jesus-engages-in-conversation-with-people-from-all-wa-r4nmmefy.webp
https://pixexid.com/image/in-a-bustling-marketplace-jesus-engages-in-conversation-with-people-from-all-wa-r4nmmefy
Life was tough then. Just imagine life without the modern medicines we are so used to. Imagine a world without anaesthesia. What would life be like in a society where lifespans were generally short? For the Jews, their land was under the rule of a foreign power - the Roman Empire. God seemed to have gone silent for 400 years. The people at least had some assurance that God had not forgotten them when He still spoke to them by the prophets (though their messages were often not pleasing to the ear). But for so long mow, heaven had shut its doors and earth had become a living hell for so many - "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd".
PHOTO: Life was tough then. Just imagine life without the modern medicines we are so used to. Imagine a world without anaesthesia. What would life be like in a society where lifespans were generally short? For the Jews, their land was under the rule of a foreign power - the Roman Empire. God seemed to have gone silent for 400 years. The people at least had some assurance that God had not forgotten them when He still spoke to them by the prophets (though their messages were often not pleasing to the ear). But for so long mow, heaven had shut its doors and earth had become a living hell for so many - "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd".
Picture posted by World Challenge
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJ_lZ5Fh_iuL9DJogftAtEVDXPzMd0LRt6_CO-H_cpfJAkTAf2wGVn1IuR-r7NUPzdV4cwmxxu-84Z7QitAxsXa4Cyfze7xeL5hGrVS8xH8UdU-XKv2sisB7CIlGh8kjEmck8OD0_15F6zIUEbgYuViYmNp14SUJCfbwTW0eMAUlf12KM5DLX-fjBIHA/s1920/200717-story-web.jpg
https://www.worldchallenge.org/sites/default/files/field/image/200717-story-web.jpg
https://www.worldchallenge.org/god-and-prophets-old
THE SHEPHERD
It was to this kind of world that Jesus came, proclaiming himself as the good shepherd of Israel (John 10:11). It took time for people to understand this and to grasp the great truth that He was in fact the shepherd of all peoples. This idea came from the Old Testament, where God called himself the shepherd of His people (Ezekiel 34:11-14). He promised to find the lost and those who strayed, to rescue the perishing, to nurse the wounded, and to feed the hungry. This shepherding God can best be understood as the God who makes a covenant with His people. He cares for His people and loves them.
PHOTO: THE SHEPHERD
It was to this kind of world that Jesus came, proclaiming himself as the good shepherd of Israel (John 10:11). It took time for people to understand this and to grasp the great truth that He was in fact the shepherd of all peoples. This idea came from the Old Testament, where God called himself the shepherd of His people (Ezekiel 34:11-14). He promised to find the lost and those who strayed, to rescue the perishing, to nurse the wounded, and to feed the hungry. This shepherding God can best be understood as the God who makes a covenant with His people. He cares for His people and loves them.
Picture posted by haydee prats
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkb2AciBrPOkseVWDx9mdvKnJVy-z7ALKX0HKJce2upV_G0MtO8tjACkAVnZap91qmb5g1YzKM-QCjspcb0lfimI-g4RC0AbUOgib7DjeOyEXAUDTFlDkPHq21Yy3GxVI3REF2oToAbOrgtukyypcCepXRjv8Sszpd6AT_ofFxM3O3Aj0ICly3uKY3Jms/s1024/a42a5a32b4c1d9b6e9ccd6531fc60e2c.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a4/2a/5a/a42a5a32b4c1d9b6e9ccd6531fc60e2c.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/68743734056/
God is shepherd not only to a community, but also to individuals. Hence, the psalmist could confidently declare: "The Lord is my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). God is the shepherd of our souls. He feeds, protects, guides, and bless us on our journey in life.
THE SHEPHERD LOVES
Jesus brought this rich Old Testament understanding into His proclamation of hiimself as shepherd of God's people. In fact, by proclaiming himself as shepherd, He revealed that He was God. As shepherd, He knew His sheep and recognised them (John 10:3, 14). By elaborating on the bond between shepherd and sheep, Jesus brings our attention to the shepherd's love for his sheep, which is the heart of their relationship.
PHOTO: THE SHEPHERD LOVES
Jesus brought this rich Old Testament understanding into His proclamation of hiimself as shepherd of God's people. In fact, by proclaiming himself as shepherd, He revealed that He was God. As shepherd, He knew His sheep and recognised them (John 10:3, 14). By elaborating on the bond between shepherd and sheep, Jesus brings our attention to the shepherd's love for his sheep, which is the heart of their relationship.
Picture posted by Cường Nguyễn
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7pOLWFKgDQl-vKVnh51FwWKLkcaXo2aE2gctXSAhVKV2OkBwZJIb-pCeG5S_2F7heNb0O3yWJzeZZkCOoCUECLsjOY0Z_dlpQikaG_tm3wQjDtoxYlB9MCKA5A6XK4IA1VurZmZAoHPRqHJC-aED8Yn54d1aGYcCNOvhws1Akej8Tt0M2-j_yVdLhoY/s789/9b1712892bb6b4f51229e153d5537291.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/9b/17/12/9b1712892bb6b4f51229e153d5537291.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/210754457555515019/
In His parable of the lost sheep, Jesus paints a dynamic and poignant (piercing) picture of the shepherd's love (Luke 15:3-7). He leaves the 99 other sheep in safety, and, as the sky darkens rapidly and the temperature drops steeply, sets out to find the lost sheep, loss probably because it had wondered away, either through distraction or plain wilfulness. The shepherd could have written off that one sheep. Why take the trouble to rescue a silly animal? And yet, off he went in search. This story is a window into the heavenly shepherd's love for us.
PHOTO: In His parable of the lost sheep, Jesus paints a dynamic and poignant (piercing) picture of the shepherd's love (Luke 15:3-7). He leaves the 99 other sheep in safety, and, as the sky darkens rapidly and the temperature drops steeply, sets out to find the lost sheep, loss probably because it had wondered away, either through distraction or plain wilfulness. The shepherd could have written off that one sheep. Why take the trouble to rescue a silly animal? And yet, off he went in search. This story is a window into the heavenly shepherd's love for us.
Picture posted by Dick Marchessault
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaogNVahEpgLlF9qzz6TuV2PHsZ76mMJO0-dvWXVD1qj8MUOPvEWX4vwsiJXka206kAF-sXiu3woTQX9tYQMqHeATevb8VPD-C9B1T21hvMmIOzCp2AV0zkSr6gbWMzcbB8rcvzBWjtRbM84f95G7SIdydv-EsaXB_w1DNVhUvfs0ryWt-_069DTxrLw/s1600/16bd1d0e63f9ef9bd423cc2f3a153fac.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/16/bd/1d/16bd1d0e63f9ef9bd423cc2f3a153fac.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/12525705206302239/
This love is perfectly manifested when the shepherd lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). Can you see how much the shepherd loves you? Could you doubt His tender mercy? Don't you realise that even when you wander away, having forgotten Him, He chases after you? The English poet Francis Thompson put it so well in his poem, "The Hound of Heaven". [1a]
I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;
I fled Him, down the arches of the years;
I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways
Of my own mind; and in the midst of tears
I hid from Him, and under running laughter.
Up vistaed hopes I sped;
And shot, precipitated,
Adown Titanic glooms of chasmèd fears,
From those strong Feet that followed, followed after.
But with unhurrying chase,
And unperturbèd pace,
Deliberate speed, majestic instancy,
They beat—and a Voice beat
More instant than the Feet . . .
PHOTO: This love is perfectly manifested when the shepherd lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). Can you see how much the shepherd loves you? Could you doubt His tender mercy? Don't you realise that even when you wander away, having forgotten Him, He chases after you?
Picture posted by Did You Read Your Bible Today? on Tuesday, 28 November 2023 at 08:23 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjJp4UV9n_U30NselQgHRg-Y_GYAiz6m8Q2Uxbi84hys7RIfOEoyg2X0Ov8bExy1FOTfZzp133fO7lpGvwspvarjIbUeYxHJo-mTbnujzWY0P1xW8_cR1HcmfrZE56GNe1oHlArN27FbW-kZPs_fgz3nfwS-1HSDOcn5C91KN5XLienbHsDaD-qLl_KU/s1268/406039182_674131771501077_895195696633234974_n.jpg
https://scontent.fsin14-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/406039182_674131771501077_895195696633234974_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=dd5e9f&_nc_ohc=mD-3HlNLM1wAX9XjqFL&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin14-2.fna&oh=00_AfAogMZSG8ceHlu4vjpDAIbH2xmN5JAFGMnT6NCp83ys8w&oe=659E6268
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=674131731501081&set=a.510638344517088
Jesus the shepherd of our souls who gave His life for us, wants to care for us and bring us home. He finds, heals, feeds, and protects us, as shepherds protect their sheep from predators. No wonder Paul declares: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Knowing who his shepherd is, he can confidently say that nothing can separate him from his shepherd's love (Romans 8:37-39).
THE SHEPHERD LOVES YOU
How terrible and tragic to wander the earth without a shepherd. When a man is lost and all alone, he is acutely aware of his condition. But in a crowd of lost people, he can easily miss the truth. The people in those ancient Galilean streets were lost and Jesus had compassion on them. In our modern world, the streets and the scene may be different, but the human conditions is the same. The good shepherd, the great shepherd of our souls (Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25) is still gathering His sheep. Do you know Him as your shepherd? Do you recognise His voice? Do you allow Him to lead you? Do you know His presence? Have you experienced the joy of letting His shadow fall on you? What a joy to be guided and daily fed by the great shepherd, whose voice is rich with wisdom and whose heart is full of love.
PHOTO: THE SHEPHERD LOVES YOU
The people in those ancient Galilean streets were lost and Jesus had compassion on them. In our modern world, the streets and the scene may be different, but the human conditions is the same. The good shepherd, the great shepherd of our souls (Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25) is still gathering His sheep. What a joy to be guided and daily fed by the great shepherd, whose voice is rich with wisdom and whose heart is full of love.
Picture posted by 🌼Andrea אהבה (Love)🌼@Believer037 on 27 June 2022 at 10:34 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5nn9-TjUyMc6N1393s6UAWMv4A7-YRchjAz3TEnXMfTfbjDX6ztr9A5AnHIFqhOmcNkeCZISrtWJoNt9eB1jQOndVrSbGvwCq9OPaQ4GkGj78tUr-isKyW27yQj8mMV6emrI28GYCxNcthEIBDhMryDvsEHp6z82mjNTq_snBN8QyAZhAJe_kUEpM6s/s1215/FWRCL8AWQAE0nlL_1.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FWRCL8AWQAE0nlL?format=jpg&name=large
https://twitter.com/Believer037/status/1541429749993672704/photo/1
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we pray that we need not experience how terrible and tragic to wander the earth without a shepherd. We want Jesus as the shepherd of our souls. He has given His life for us, wants to care for us and bring us home. He can finds, heals, feeds, and protects us, as shepherds protect their sheep from predators.
May we be able to declare like Paul: 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' May we confidently say that nothing can separate us from our Jesus' love.
Please gather us as Your sheep, and be our good and great shepherd of our souls.
May we know Jesus as our shepherd.
May we recognise His voice.
May we allow Him to lead us.
May we know His presence.
May we experience the joy of letting His shadow fall on us.
May we experience the joy of being guided and daily fed by the great shepherd, whose voice is rich with wisdom and whose heart is full of love.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen"
Picture posted in Pinterest
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJDVqGUc-EMyJZIVjlpevDrM1Vm87HFh67vVxBRy1U8_n3M3qHkntqc1IVuZRV8tVC-WIZuXKhYFSVqTLCayr_OMUu_R1URH5tOuTxUxF8NtOPeclm7bXyAniq45pFFD0-3FvZ2EFqfHbw9jJ40ccoKqWr76eNSWy9dySiBG6BMdOLq5likJchn3KW7g/s910/d58268f96cf225225d2fdb60f48c0c0a.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d5/82/68/d58268f96cf225225d2fdb60f48c0c0a.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5136987066647928/
Reflection - Relating With God - The Great Shepherd
Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 8, "The Great Shepherd", Page 50.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 8, "The Great Shepherd", Page 50.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach
Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-46-90.html
Reference
[1] From "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 8, "The Great Shepherd", Page 50.
[1a] For a modern adaptation of the poem, with more easily understandable vocabulary, see Brian Oxley and Shirley Oxley, The Hound of Heaven: A Modern, Adaptation (Fort Myers,Florida: Emblem Media, 2014).
[1a] For a modern adaptation of the poem, with more easily understandable vocabulary, see Brian Oxley and Shirley Oxley, The Hound of Heaven: A Modern, Adaptation (Fort Myers,Florida: Emblem Media, 2014).
Links
New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Ezekiel 34:11-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+34%3A11-14&version=NIV
Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A20%3B+1+Peter+2%3A25&version=NIV
John 10:3, 14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A3%2C+14&version=NIV
John 10:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A11&version=NIV
Luke 15:3-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15%3A3-7&version=NIV
Matthew 9:36 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9%3A36&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
Psalm 23:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23%3A1&version=NIV
Romans 8:31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A31&version=NIV
Romans 8:37-39 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A37-39&version=NIV
Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A20%3B+1+Peter+2%3A25&version=NIV
John 10:3, 14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A3%2C+14&version=NIV
John 10:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A11&version=NIV
Luke 15:3-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15%3A3-7&version=NIV
Matthew 9:36 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9%3A36&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
Psalm 23:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23%3A1&version=NIV
Romans 8:31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A31&version=NIV
Romans 8:37-39 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A37-39&version=NIV
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAfWpuDpoJhPZi3oWtnoxxvETsLJ92MPBY2EY-jKaOwxJGfNdQmI_RK7-DQ8poSBOvLPmQixpzQ8z3DVa3tGxquQWlf_Z3lP9bdctzl2z-prqPvhZ4l2LhBJ7_zs6ltjdvzQ9sdQJzCd0iKna1gxWWlOZLgyllee0_5kBxh0WY85CtmNmhAR0FbpCIbw/s1422/HD-wallpaper-yeshu-masih-painting-art-king-of-jews-lord-god.jpg
- https://w0.peakpx.com/wallpaper/478/805/HD-wallpaper-yeshu-masih-painting-art-king-of-jews-lord-god.jpg
- https://www.peakpx.com/en/hd-wallpaper-desktop-wnhqo
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7aEQenx6bRavs4wNDXP7PLsirk2Wel3xOFxS5DBNUt7azLhYmWrsKHcBp31jaxf0U6-iXt51sfZu4oU03bGDSNUisFd_3L59IMsogji3WBlO0mlHYmZ8qOMUNiMcKuj3lJq9il87_jjU1BNsBwumJ77b9-zr55f4CYZ9zJU5ZOq2tAOFZHc4xN4Kmao/s1200/e6fea6b113784a07fbfaeb60f073f704-1.jpg
- https://bishopjordan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/e6fea6b113784a07fbfaeb60f073f704-1.jpg
- https://bishopjordan.com/does-it-mean-to-be-a-prophet-in-the-marketplace/
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5lY5mMTt8uji6VoCZXc6xBuBP7AR39M2aOSiHEVbjVItiLil-QVpd2KC1757J6qELQwz428n-326wj0PiTWcSKPpriZ5mj2X8aJiwcL5FsZ7ewvmU8cvZArzFkReGn3Hooo1TRMWzjva5y9o1OYKPPzfZWmhFy2DRmeoy0gFcWmtM0H14ZDgaonciBc/s4368/in-a-bustling-marketplace-jesus-engages-in-conversation-with-people-from-all-wa-r4nmmefy_1.png
- https://images.pixexid.com/in-a-bustling-marketplace-jesus-engages-in-conversation-with-people-from-all-wa-r4nmmefy.webp
- https://pixexid.com/image/in-a-bustling-marketplace-jesus-engages-in-conversation-with-people-from-all-wa-r4nmmefy
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJ_lZ5Fh_iuL9DJogftAtEVDXPzMd0LRt6_CO-H_cpfJAkTAf2wGVn1IuR-r7NUPzdV4cwmxxu-84Z7QitAxsXa4Cyfze7xeL5hGrVS8xH8UdU-XKv2sisB7CIlGh8kjEmck8OD0_15F6zIUEbgYuViYmNp14SUJCfbwTW0eMAUlf12KM5DLX-fjBIHA/s1920/200717-story-web.jpg
- https://www.worldchallenge.org/sites/default/files/field/image/200717-story-web.jpg
- https://www.worldchallenge.org/god-and-prophets-old
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkb2AciBrPOkseVWDx9mdvKnJVy-z7ALKX0HKJce2upV_G0MtO8tjACkAVnZap91qmb5g1YzKM-QCjspcb0lfimI-g4RC0AbUOgib7DjeOyEXAUDTFlDkPHq21Yy3GxVI3REF2oToAbOrgtukyypcCepXRjv8Sszpd6AT_ofFxM3O3Aj0ICly3uKY3Jms/s1024/a42a5a32b4c1d9b6e9ccd6531fc60e2c.jpg
- https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a4/2a/5a/a42a5a32b4c1d9b6e9ccd6531fc60e2c.jpg
- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/68743734056/
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7pOLWFKgDQl-vKVnh51FwWKLkcaXo2aE2gctXSAhVKV2OkBwZJIb-pCeG5S_2F7heNb0O3yWJzeZZkCOoCUECLsjOY0Z_dlpQikaG_tm3wQjDtoxYlB9MCKA5A6XK4IA1VurZmZAoHPRqHJC-aED8Yn54d1aGYcCNOvhws1Akej8Tt0M2-j_yVdLhoY/s789/9b1712892bb6b4f51229e153d5537291.jpg
- https://i.pinimg.com/564x/9b/17/12/9b1712892bb6b4f51229e153d5537291.jpg
- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/210754457555515019/
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaogNVahEpgLlF9qzz6TuV2PHsZ76mMJO0-dvWXVD1qj8MUOPvEWX4vwsiJXka206kAF-sXiu3woTQX9tYQMqHeATevb8VPD-C9B1T21hvMmIOzCp2AV0zkSr6gbWMzcbB8rcvzBWjtRbM84f95G7SIdydv-EsaXB_w1DNVhUvfs0ryWt-_069DTxrLw/s1600/16bd1d0e63f9ef9bd423cc2f3a153fac.jpg
- https://i.pinimg.com/originals/16/bd/1d/16bd1d0e63f9ef9bd423cc2f3a153fac.jpg
- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/12525705206302239/
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjJp4UV9n_U30NselQgHRg-Y_GYAiz6m8Q2Uxbi84hys7RIfOEoyg2X0Ov8bExy1FOTfZzp133fO7lpGvwspvarjIbUeYxHJo-mTbnujzWY0P1xW8_cR1HcmfrZE56GNe1oHlArN27FbW-kZPs_fgz3nfwS-1HSDOcn5C91KN5XLienbHsDaD-qLl_KU/s1268/406039182_674131771501077_895195696633234974_n.jpg
- https://scontent.fsin14-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/406039182_674131771501077_895195696633234974_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=dd5e9f&_nc_ohc=mD-3HlNLM1wAX9XjqFL&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin14-2.fna&oh=00_AfAogMZSG8ceHlu4vjpDAIbH2xmN5JAFGMnT6NCp83ys8w&oe=659E6268
- https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=674131731501081&set=a.510638344517088
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5nn9-TjUyMc6N1393s6UAWMv4A7-YRchjAz3TEnXMfTfbjDX6ztr9A5AnHIFqhOmcNkeCZISrtWJoNt9eB1jQOndVrSbGvwCq9OPaQ4GkGj78tUr-isKyW27yQj8mMV6emrI28GYCxNcthEIBDhMryDvsEHp6z82mjNTq_snBN8QyAZhAJe_kUEpM6s/s1215/FWRCL8AWQAE0nlL_1.png
- https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FWRCL8AWQAE0nlL?format=jpg&name=large
- https://twitter.com/Believer037/status/1541429749993672704/photo/1
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJDVqGUc-EMyJZIVjlpevDrM1Vm87HFh67vVxBRy1U8_n3M3qHkntqc1IVuZRV8tVC-WIZuXKhYFSVqTLCayr_OMUu_R1URH5tOuTxUxF8NtOPeclm7bXyAniq45pFFD0-3FvZ2EFqfHbw9jJ40ccoKqWr76eNSWy9dySiBG6BMdOLq5likJchn3KW7g/s910/d58268f96cf225225d2fdb60f48c0c0a.jpg
- https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d5/82/68/d58268f96cf225225d2fdb60f48c0c0a.jpg
- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5136987066647928/