The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
~Psalm 23
Dear friends,
In the first three centuries of the Common Era, Christians were fiercely persecuted and martyred. The pagan rule of the Roman Empire found sport and amusement in this abuse of Christians. Christian art, trying to provide hope and comfort, created images of the Good Shepherd in their baptistries and catacomb worship places. There is almost no depiction of the cross in those centuries.
One of my earliest remembrances is praying the bedtime prayer, “Jesus, tender Shepherd hear me. Bless your little lamb tonight. In the darkness be thou near me. Keep me safe till morning light.”
I grew to love this Shepherd and have continued to follow and love Him as he has met me in all the seasons of life. I have sought God daily; discovering God’s guidance, feeling comfort in times of failure, and courage to face the difficult paths in life and ministry that has been set for me. In my journey with the Shepherd, I have learned to know God’s voice. In the time of darkness and chaos, I have found that the “steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning.” When I have lost my way for a time, the Shepherd has found me and carried me on his shoulders back into the community of faith that has sustained me for a lifetime. I have learned that the dark moments and alienations of life need not define me. God redeems “the years the locusts have eaten.” Over time, repentance and forgiveness and the community of faith work together with The Good Shepherd to revive and make us new. In journeying with the Good Shepherd, we are healed on the way. Thus, the Good Shepherd carries us into a more joyful future as we set our hearts on Him.
The Good Shepherd, a steadfast guardian, stands as a beacon of solace and strength to the flock that follows with unwavering trust. Known by the gentle cadence of their voice, the shepherd’s tenderness is evident in the nurturing care provided, ensuring that each sheep is fed and offered cool water to drink, sustaining their every need.
Even when the shadow of death looms, the shepherd’s presence is a comforting shield, a protector against the encroaching darkness. With a heart full of compassion, the shepherd guides and shelters the flock, providing sanctuary and peace.
In the presence of adversaries, those who harbor ill-will, the shepherd’s grace prevails. A grand banquet is prepared, an emblem of abundance and safety, where shepherd and sheep dine together. Amidst this sanctuary, the flock finds respite from fear and hostility, enveloped in the shepherd’s unwavering protection and love.
Thus, the Good Shepherd’s role transcends mere guardianship, embodying the essence of care, comfort, and steadfast protection, leading the flock with a voice that resonates with love and assurance, giving us the courage to be faithful shepherds to all who are committed to our care. As we follow and serve, perhaps we lighten the darkness and the valley of the shadow of death of those we encounter on the way and fulfill our baptismal covenant “to seek and serve Christ in all people, loving your neighbor as yourself” and “to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.”
The Rev. Dr. Peter B. Stube
Priest Associate
Published on May 8, 2025