Thought For The Week 30 April 2023

Of Shepherds and Sheep

Our lectionary Psalm this week is Psalm 23, one of the most well-known and loved   pieces of scripture. Perhaps it is a favourite because it affirms God’s presence with us in every season of life. We read it when our cup overflows, we pray it when we know the peace of the still waters and green pastures. Its promises are reassuring when we are surrounded by people who are working against us, and its words comfort us when we walk through the vale of death’s dark shadow.

Author and poet Eddie Askew says of this Psalm, that even though the Psalmist writes that God leads them along paths of righteousness, these same paths often pass through the valley of the shadow. Likewise, the abundant table that is prepared is set in the presence of enemies. The Psalmist, Askew says, sees no contradiction in these things. The psalmist doesn’t describe an easy life, but they do give us an enduring image of God’s very real presence.

In John 10, Jesus, the fullness of God made known to us in the fullness of humanity,  described himself as the “the Good Shepherd”. He said his sheep know his voice and that he came so that humanity would experience life to the full. By, life to the full he    didn’t mean a life packed full of adventure, fun and comfort. He meant a restored life lived as it is meant to be, being fully human, full of the presence, love and compassion and grace of the eternal God.

Whatever part of the 23rd Psalm resonates with our story today, the Good Shepherd is to surround us with His love and care. Calling us all along on His path.

Luke Blackbeard