Few of us have ever seen a shepherd. Yet this pastoral imagery lives on, conveying to our minds our creator's concern for the individual person: for a person's welfare, development, guidance, discipline, and lot in life. God still provides the green grass and the calm waters; God still calls us to come to him for renewal. Isaiah added this to the picture of the shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep" (Isaiah 40:11). And in John's gospel, Jesus calls himself the good shepherd (John 10:11-16).
Which metaphors of Jesus are most meaningful to you?
Why is the term pastor used for clergy?
PRAYER: "Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need thy tender care; In thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use thy folds prepare."