Sabbath Psalms - Gentle Shepherd

Psalm 80:11 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth. 

One of the gentlest people that I have ever known was a country shepherd. His family had been shepherds for generations, so it was natural for him to follow in their footsteps. He was a clever man who probably could have been a great teacher at college or university. When he spoke in church or community meetings, everyone listened. Whatever the issue or situation, it was obvious that he had given it a great deal of thought. He presented his ideas and opinions in a quiet, unassuming way. More often as not, whatever decisions were made, they usually included much of what the shepherd had expressed.

I guess working with sheep on the hillsides of Scotland, you get a lot of time to think clearly. And because things are generally quiet, you don’t have to raise your voice or get upset when making a point in public meetings. This shepherd knew the value of simple words with a quiet message which is why he was very effective when he shared his viewpoints.

I think this is why one of our most favorite images of Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We’ve seen countless images and stained-glass windows that depict Christ in this manner. The serenity of those pictures makes us feel secure and embraced. The Good Shepherd quietly loves us and gently calls us to Him.

Currently, some of us may be going through hard times or maybe we are stressed out and weary. We may feel frightened or confused about the issues we are facing. We may be angry or distressed at being hurt or disappointed. During these times, amid the clamor of the world, the gentle voice of peace and assurance comes to us from Jesus. He knows the issues; He understands our worries. He’s had time to think about them; and now He has gentle thoughts to express to our hearts and minds. If we also quietly take time out of our busy schedules, we will hear His voice. If we turn to Him now for help, He will gently speak to and shepherd us.

Point to ponder: What is stressing or worrying me now? Am I willing to quietly bring it to Jesus?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Shepherd of our lives and souls. Sometimes we deeply worry over our problems and think that there is no end to them. We often forget that our lives are in Your Hands because we are part of Your flock. Talk to us today about our troubles and gently show us the path towards peace, resolution, hope, and love. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

 

John Stuart is a retired Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Don't Be Afraid - Mark 6:50

Mark 6:50  They all saw him and were terrified. Immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (NIV) 

            There’s a lot of fear and uncertainty in our world today. You can hardly pick up a newspaper without reading about terrorist bombs, gas attacks, and civilian deaths all over the globe. For those of us who were born in the 20^th century, we felt that the 21^st century was going to be a wonderful time to be born and live, experience and know. Unfortunately, the brutality and inhumanity of man have been carried over into this new millennium. The clean sheet and new start we were given in 2000 has been contaminated with cruelty and stained with sin. We are our own worst enemies who, instead of shaping the future for the benefit of humanity, we mangle it with our hands.

            In the midst of a life-threatening storm, the twelve disciples thought that they were all going to drown. They couldn’t keep their boat afloat and the boiling waves kept battering against their vessel. They were in the midst of a hopeless situation and even though all of them strained to row the oars, the wind was totally against them.

            And then Jesus appeared, walking on the water. At first, they thought He was a ghost, a phantom, or even a demon come to torment them. But then Christ speaks those beautiful words which instantly reassured them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” As He stepped onto the boat, the wind and waves died down and everything was calm again.

            In the midst of a baffling and brutal world, Christ’s Church and all of His people need to rely on His words and share them with the rest of humanity. Tensions may rise and storms of hatred may threaten our way of life, but Christ’s Spirit still walks among us, so we as Christians, more than any other group in the world, should hold on to the hope He offers humanity and share His peace which can pacify the people of this planet. The beautiful boat we are in is called ‘Earth’ and the One who can save it is Jesus.

Point to ponder

When I worry about current events, what do I pray?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, come among us and bless us with Your peaceful presence. Diminish the wickedness that damages our planet and help us to share Your hope in our community and around the world. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. The church website can be found at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s stained glass designs of Christ calming the storm. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Calm