Under the hand of the Shepherd

"Once again shepherds will count their flocks in the towns of the hill country, the foothills of Judah, the Negev, the land of Benjamin, the vicinity of Jerusalem, and all the towns of Judah. I, the Lord, have spoken!" - Jeremiah 33:13

In the midst of a bleak prophecy concerning their future, Jeremiah shares a delightful reminder of God's love for the people. He speaks of how the flocks of sheep will return to the hills and the shepherds will care for them and count them. From being a place of desolation to a place teeming with life!

One commentator suggests that the process that the shepherds may adopt is to allow the sheep to come into the fold, one at a time, passing underneath his hand. This helps him to count them in a controlled way, but also to see if there is anything wrong with them.

As we continue on our journey towards Christmas, may the image of the caring hand of God comfort you and to help us rest in his mighty presence.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Staying close to the Shepherd

 

As we reflect on the beautiful image of the Good Shepherd this week, I invite you to meditate on these quotes and verses. Enjoy and may you know the comfort of the True Shepherd, Jesus.

"I am like the sick sheep that strays from the rest of the flock. Unless the Good Shepherd takes me on His shoulders and carries me back to His fold, my steps will falter, and in the very effort of rising, my feet will give way." - St. Jerome

"Christ's flock is made up of sheep that not only listen to their shepherd, but are also able to recognize his voice, to follow him, faithfully and with full awareness, on the pastures of eternal life." - Pope John XXIII

"The shepherd always tries to persuade the sheep that their interests and his own are the same." -Stendhal

John 10:11 (LB) - “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  A hired man will run when he sees a wolf coming and will leave the sheep, for they aren’t his and he isn’t their shepherd.

Living in Grace

D3LM3