“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose…” – Psalm 23: 1-2
It is comforting to picture Jesus as our shepherd, gently leading you and me to a place of rest and refreshment. Imagine a peaceful scene where the grass is green, the sun is bright, and running water murmurs softly in the background. Yes, this is where the Good Shepherd leads his sheep, if they follow his voice.
Too often, however, we over-romanticize the Shepherd. We think of him as a nice guy with a beard who likes to carry a little lamb on his shoulders. But when Jesus called himself a shepherd, he wasn’t picturing a stained glass window. He was describing a first-century shepherd; a rough and tough figure who carried a big stick, not only to fend off wild animals and but also to keep the sheep in line.
In C.S. Lewis’ famous series, The Chronicles of Narnia, the great lion Aslan plays the role of a Christ-figure. He sacrifices himself for others, and at the same time his power is frightening. Another character sums up the lion’s persona with this beautiful line: “He is not a tame lion, but he is good.”
A good shepherd in the first century was simple and strong, kind but stern, fearless and able to instill fear in would-be attackers. Above all, he was willing to lay down his life for his sheep, because that is love.
And just as the Good Shepherd lays down his life out of love for his sheep, so too does he call us to lay down our lives out of love for our brothers and sisters. The Good Shepherd did not say that there would be no dark valleys, but he did say that he would be right there by our side in the darkness. In the same way, he calls us to walk alongside our brothers and sisters who trudge through the dark valleys of poverty, loneliness, and oppression.
Our God is not tame, but he is good. It’s a tempting trap to try and characterize God in a way that fits our own conception of him. But, he is God, we are his creatures, and we cannot tame him; we can only follow him and trust that his rod and staff will be our true comfort and sure guide.
Good Shepherd, call our names and teach us to follow you. Lead us through the dark valley and into green pastures. Grant us the courage to walk with others through the darkness, whether they live next door or halfway around the world. Bring us all, together, into the peace and love of your kingdom. Amen.