March 11: As It Turns Out, I Am That Sheep
♫ Music:
Scripture: John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
AS IT TURNS OUT, I AM THAT SHEEP
My college roommate grew up on a sheep and dairy farm, and (dare I say it?) regular visits to her family’s Pennsylvania farm were among the most educational moments of collegiate life for this Orange County, suburbanite girl. When I hear Psalm 23 sung in John Michael Talbot’s He is the Good Shepherd and reflect on pastoral images like Christina DeMichele’s Paradise Mural, I am tempted to think that life would be simpler and easier if we all lived in the countryside among rolling green hills and near streams of blue water. Perhaps my college-bred fascination with Thoreau’s Walden contributed to this dreamy ideal, because I can easily believe that if I get to be a sheep in this pastoral image, well then that sounds like paradise.
But here’s what I learned on those visits to my roommate’s farm: sheep are kind of dumb. They are anxious, twitchy animals that run in circles at the slightest sound, prompting all their little sheep friends to do the same. Like lemmings, they might run off a cliff if not contained. No wonder sheep need a shepherd. They need to be saved from their own fear and anxiety. They need reassurance that all is well. They need a strong, knowing leader who will help contain their collective impulse to run blindly into danger.
I have something to learn in the fact that “lost sheep” was a common image for Israel in the Old Testament. I have something to learn in the truth that the Lord God promised a coming Shepherd, a ruler who would provide much-needed guidance for his lost lambs. As reflected in the image of Jesus in Paradise Mural, this coming ruler would bring peace to anxious, twitchy hearts. The apple tree at the mural’s center symbolizes the sin of Adam and Eve, but the Good Shepherd would lay down his life for those lost sheep, providing redemption for sin. And the sinner, symbolized by that single lamb in Jesus’ arms, would finally find rest for her soul.
Yes, I do get to be a sheep in this pastoral image, and this is entirely reflective of my current reality. The practices of this Lenten season raise my awareness of my anxieties, fears, and habitual sins. I sometimes find myself running in spiritually nervous circles because I don’t like what I’ve seen and heard in my own heart. And so I need the guiding rod and comforting staff of this Good Shepherd who loved me so much that he laid down his life for me. In His presence, I am assured that “all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well,” that the One who began a good work in me will bring it to completion (Phil 1:6). I may not be as dumb as those sheep on my roommate’s farm, but in this Lenten season, I need this reminder over and over again.
Talk for a moment with our Good Shepherd: As you have engaged in Lenten practices this season, what anxieties, fears or habitual sins have you become more aware of? Where has the Good Shepherd drawn near to you in the midst of these things? Where do you need his help to receive the peace and assurance he offers? Conclude your conversation with the Good Shepherd by praying with David the words of Psalm 23.
PRAYER
Lord, You are my shepherd, I shall not want.
You make me lie down in green pastures;
You lead me beside quiet waters. You restore my soul.
You guide me in the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I 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 have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen.
Lisa Igram, Associate Dean of Spiritual Development
Paradise Mural
Christina DeMichele
2004
St. Andrew Orthodox Church, Riverside, California
Acrylic on canvas
About the Artist & Art
Christina DeMichele is a graduate of Biola University and the Claremont Graduate School. She is a teacher, professional freelance artist, iconographer, and sculptor. She lives in Sonoma County, CA. Christiana has completed a number of paintings and decorations for Saint Andrew Orthodox Church in Riverside, CA, including Paradise, which depicts Jesus as the good shepherd surrounded by his flock.
http://christinademichele.com
About the Music
One Faith lyrics
He is the good Shepherd
And He’s laid down his life for His sheep,
So out of many nations
He’s gathered one fold in one faith.
And He has built His church
On the rock foundation of faith,
On apostles and prophets,
Who shepherd the people in His place.
There is one faith, one hope and one baptism
One God and Father of all.
There is one church, one body, one life in the Spirit
Now given so freely to all.
And He gave to Simon Peter,
And to all the twelve,
The keys of the Kingdom
So darkness shall never prevail.
But some of the shepherds
Have pastured themselves on their sheep,
So He has come out against them
And scattered His people of faith.
In good pasture
He will shepherd His people.
On the mountain top
He feeds His sheep.
He will heal the poor and afflicted,
To the prisoner He brings release.
Yet He’ll not forsake His people,
He’ll claim His sheep for His own,
He’ll send out His Word to the nations,
Re-gather His people back home.
About the Musician
John Michael Talbot’s songs were the first by a Catholic artist to cross well-defined boundaries and gain acceptance by Protestant listeners. In 1988, Billboard magazine named him the No.1 Christian Artist. Today, Talbot is an active monk and minister, traveling over nine months per year throughout the world. He seeks to inspire and renew the faith of Christians of all denominations through sacred music, teaching, and motivational speaking. He is the founder of a monastic community called The Brothers and Sisters of Charity in Arkansas. One Faith is from The Regathering (1988), an album focused on Christian unity.
http://johnmichaeltalbot.com/