The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. Could this be a reversal of the sacrificial system? Sheep were sacrificial animals. They were raised to be slain on the altar. What if Jesus is laying his life for the sheep, the most vulnerable who are eaten alive by our sacrificial systems. Thanks for this reflection.
I totally love when you and I are on the same wave length! I preached about how a "good shepherd" would have seemed like an oxymoron to Jesus' first audience, especially as "kalos" also can mean noble in character/values. Jesus' alignment with the women, children, and aged who were unfit for "real farm work" and so assigned the stinky, dirty job of herding sheep shows us that the work we do (along with gender, age, race, sexual orientation, etc) does not determine our character/values. Our essential core self remains -- the beloved child of God, created in God's image who according to God is good and very good (see Genesis).
Kudos, Diana, I was a goat boy! The memories came flooding back: Of nights when near the stove that was in my room a new baby goat was nestled in the cold Virginia night; of trying to hold the obstreperous male goat as I moved him from nighttime place to daytime place; of the wisdom of the senior goat, an old female; of the funny cavorting of young ones who would butt and kick at each other! Hmmm-- reminds me a little of people in the church!
Your approach to the good shepherd and the 23rd Psalm is the most provocative I have ever read, and I have preached many sermons on the subject. I will not soon forget the imagery of the "goat girl" and the lessons she taught you, and now me!
i do not remember his name; but I do remember him as my "goat girl." The class was a small one in advanced physics; no girls enrolled. He stood out for several reasons: He never spoke unless called on by our teacher; he seemed to wear the same clothes, day after days; and worst of all his body odor was horrible. None of us knew what his life was like outside of class; none of us really cared.
A decision was made to send a message -- what I have regretted for years because it was cruel and hurtful. Together we pooled enough money to purchase a giant size bar of Lifebuoy Soap to put on his usual desk; a not so subtle suggestion that he needed a good bath.
He did not touch the soap; he did not take it with him when the class ended. When the class resumed the next day his seat was empty.
Thank you, Diana. This was both beautiful and thought-provoking - although I have never considered Preschool Teacher to be a job that some might consider of less value.
Thanks for the reminder of the lowliness of shepherding, including by women.
I believe it's also true that in that part of the world the Ruler might also be referred to as the "Shepherd" of the nation, with the same ideas of caring and providing for the nation. This presents us with a mixed description of the same image, seemingly appropriate for our Lord Jesus, both Shepherd and Lamb, both humble servant and sacrificing Savior, both Suffering Servant and Righteous Ruler.
Thank you for tying the bow on the package. I served in a congregation with a sheep rancher as a member. During hunting season, he would stay behind on the ranch because deer hunters couldn't tell the difference between sheep and deer.
DBB...I loved this musing and read it 2 x.
The list of those "shepherding" was an eyeopener....never (and I'm a former teacher) thought of myself as a shepherdess.
Keep posting the good stuff!
The world is a better place for shepherds. Thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts with us!
The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. Could this be a reversal of the sacrificial system? Sheep were sacrificial animals. They were raised to be slain on the altar. What if Jesus is laying his life for the sheep, the most vulnerable who are eaten alive by our sacrificial systems. Thanks for this reflection.
I totally love when you and I are on the same wave length! I preached about how a "good shepherd" would have seemed like an oxymoron to Jesus' first audience, especially as "kalos" also can mean noble in character/values. Jesus' alignment with the women, children, and aged who were unfit for "real farm work" and so assigned the stinky, dirty job of herding sheep shows us that the work we do (along with gender, age, race, sexual orientation, etc) does not determine our character/values. Our essential core self remains -- the beloved child of God, created in God's image who according to God is good and very good (see Genesis).
Kudos, Diana, I was a goat boy! The memories came flooding back: Of nights when near the stove that was in my room a new baby goat was nestled in the cold Virginia night; of trying to hold the obstreperous male goat as I moved him from nighttime place to daytime place; of the wisdom of the senior goat, an old female; of the funny cavorting of young ones who would butt and kick at each other! Hmmm-- reminds me a little of people in the church!
Your approach to the good shepherd and the 23rd Psalm is the most provocative I have ever read, and I have preached many sermons on the subject. I will not soon forget the imagery of the "goat girl" and the lessons she taught you, and now me!
i do not remember his name; but I do remember him as my "goat girl." The class was a small one in advanced physics; no girls enrolled. He stood out for several reasons: He never spoke unless called on by our teacher; he seemed to wear the same clothes, day after days; and worst of all his body odor was horrible. None of us knew what his life was like outside of class; none of us really cared.
A decision was made to send a message -- what I have regretted for years because it was cruel and hurtful. Together we pooled enough money to purchase a giant size bar of Lifebuoy Soap to put on his usual desk; a not so subtle suggestion that he needed a good bath.
He did not touch the soap; he did not take it with him when the class ended. When the class resumed the next day his seat was empty.
Loved your Shepherd story. Thankyou!
Nativities need young girl shepherds!!
Interesting to know shepherds were not just men. Christmas story perception change also. Who were the shepherds in the fields?
Thank you, Diana. This was both beautiful and thought-provoking - although I have never considered Preschool Teacher to be a job that some might consider of less value.
Beautiful! Thank you.
I am blessed by the choir. I used to sing in a choir and would love to have a chance to do again!
Thanks for the reminder of the lowliness of shepherding, including by women.
I believe it's also true that in that part of the world the Ruler might also be referred to as the "Shepherd" of the nation, with the same ideas of caring and providing for the nation. This presents us with a mixed description of the same image, seemingly appropriate for our Lord Jesus, both Shepherd and Lamb, both humble servant and sacrificing Savior, both Suffering Servant and Righteous Ruler.
Thank you for tying the bow on the package. I served in a congregation with a sheep rancher as a member. During hunting season, he would stay behind on the ranch because deer hunters couldn't tell the difference between sheep and deer.
Brava!