(Read Psalm 23)
The image of the Good Shepherd is a much beloved one in the church. The idea that God is our shepherd who looks out for us is a reassuring and comforting one. When God is leading us there is nothing that we need besides this. God takes us to green pastures and still waters. God restores and refreshes our souls so that we know peace and joy in our lives. No matter what happens, however bad it seems, we know that God is with us to comfort us and guide us. God is generous to supply our needs and blesses us forever more. Our greatest joy is to be with God. It is no wonder that the church took up that image with Jesus and it has become a large part of how we understand him. He is the one who leads us and watches over us. He seeks us when we are lost and he carries us in his arms …