He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart…

Isaiah 40:11

“What does your Good Shepherd look like?” our Bible study leader asked. Even though I had never thought about that question before my grandmother popped into my head immediately.

My mamaw was not a “y’all go outside and play” kind of person. She went out there with us. The rocking chairs on her front porch made a good place for story telling of events from her past. Many picnics of raisin bread and butter sandwiches took place under a huge tree in her front yard.

Mamaw made treks through the woods especially fun. Whether on the trails or off, she knew right where to go. She would show us where to hunt for arrowheads, from which spring fed streams you could get the best drink, and would point out animals we might have otherwise missed. On one such journey we actually saw a silver fox.

Of course, our leader’s question actually referred to Jesus. Physically, I know he was Jewish so had those characteristics. He spent a lot of time outside walking from place to place so he probably was tan from the sun. He was human.

Although of different physical characteristics, I cannot help but think my grandmother’s shepherding skills mimicked those of Jesus. He was hands on. He did not just tell his followers what to do and then sit back and watch. He participated, gently teaching and leading as he did.

Guess what, dear sisters in Christ, he still does that for us today through his Holy Spirit. He still tends his flock and as believers we make up that flock.

What does our Good Shepherd look like? He looks like the one leading us in the right direction and accompanying us on that path. He looks like the one who loves us unconditionally and wants us to look to him for protection from the unloving enemy, Satan. He looks like our Savior.

Jesus, thank you for inviting us into your flock and promising to be our Good Shepherd.

Susan Partida