In the countryside, a stable hand unlatches the gate of each animal stall in the barn and calls each by name. The horses and donkeys eagerly retreat from their stalls. They know the routine, as they follow one another into the pasture to eat. There, they are free to run, play, and graze.

They trust their master and know she will provide for their needs. From the time she was a little girl, this is the work she has always wanted to do. She watches out for the animals while they are in the pasture. Later, she gathers them back into the barn into their respective stalls for safekeeping at night. 

In a forested area on a mountain ridge, before the chill of Fall slips into a blanket of Winter, a Native shepherd leads his sheep down the mountain to a lower elevation. There, they can thrive safely for the winter. The shepherd smiles. As the son of a sheep herder, he knows it is an honor to do this work. He loves and cares for his sheep.

Ah, pasturelands! What images form in your mind when you think of this word? (Perhaps Psalm 23 comes to mind?). The thought of laying down in green pastures—lush grasses nurtured by rich soil and fresh water, would be cooling and refreshing. Then, as you are led to still waters, perhaps you sit and rest. Imagine the serene reflection of blue sky and white clouds that appear in the water as you reflect on the beauty of both earth and sky. And then, as you are spiritually fed and your soul is restored, oh, what great comfort you feel!    

In our busy lives, we yearn for the beauty of creation. Not everyone grows up in the countryside or in forest lands; however, the greenery of trees, bushes, or grasses is often plentiful in our neighborhoods and communities.  

Just as animals have owners or masters, and sheep have shepherds, we have a Shepherd, too. His name is Jesus. He is the Great Shepherd. The Bible tells us that He knows the voice of His sheep—and they know His voice. 

The Great Shepherd knows your every need. He cares for you. And He loves you more than you will ever know! 
 
Psalm 23:1-6
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Photo courtesy of vecteezy.com (Iftikhar Alam)