From time to time, shepherds would need to take their flocks beyond the safe confines of familiar pasture and towards valleys and mountains in search of fresh food. This was a yearly practice done towards the end of the summer months to help the sheep prepare for winter. The shepherd would journey with his flock as they faced unfamiliar terrain. In this journey, the sheep would find their deepest security in their close relationship to the shepherd. The shepherd would be fully prepared to safeguard his flock and tend to them with skill under ever circumstance. Nothing would take the shepherd by surprise. Never would a shepherd take his flock where he had not already been before. In the same way, Jesus our Good Shepherd has gone before us into the valley of death and overcome it through resurrection. We do not serve a shepherd that is distant and removed from the valleys and shadows. No, our Good Shepherd joins us in the valley of the shadow of death so that “now [we] sheep who have gone astray, have returned to the Shepherd". This Good Shepherd is with us in the valleys and shadows and wants to guide us into his way of life.
Home Church Questions:
1. Take a moment to take a survey of the last 6 months of your life. Can you identify some pasture and valley moments? Please share some of these moments if you are willing.
2. a) Nicole gave the example of David being hauled back to God through the prophet Nathan’s parable (2 Samuel 12). Considering Nathan’s approach and Jesus’ frequent use of parables in the Gospels, how can admonition be conducted graciously?
b) Have you experienced a moment where God has “hauled you back” to Himself with His staff? Please share the story if you are willing.
3. Jesus is
-The Good Shepherd leading in the Valley
-The Sheep who passes through the Valley
-Lord over the Valley
From these three statements, which aspect of Jesus is easy and/or difficult to understand and apply in your faith walk?
4. Curt Thompson suggests that “we are born into the world looking for someone looking for us.” How does this quote sit with you? How might this quote give you courage to share about the Good Shepherd with people, assuming they are looking for someone?