Across the Pastor’s Desk

By the Rev. Wayne Halvorson, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

Some years ago I had the privilege of seeing a genuine shepherd take care of his sheep in a very high mountain range of Peru in South America. It was somewhat awe-inspiring to see the shepherd, with staff in hand, walking on a distant mountain trail up an embankment toward a slowly bubbling stream where the grass was lush and green.

The shepherd did not need to chase the sheep, but only called them to follow him, for the sheep knew that when the shepherd came to lead them out of their sheep pen, he would always take them to the refreshing water and to the green pasture. The sheep knew what was ahead, whenever the call for time to eat and time to drink came.

Such is the picture that the Lord God holds before us, in the “shepherd Psalm.”

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside still waters

He restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3)

Without worry or concern the sheep follow, because they know and trust the good will of the shepherd. He has always led them to choice places along the hillside where lush grass and fresh water always flow. The sheep realize that they will spend the day eating and drinking and relaxing.

In this attractive scene, we have a delightful picture of the loving care and comfort that our good shepherd, Jesus provides. He leads us, his sheep to the greenest pasture and the freshest streams, where we may feast and relax under his careful protecting eye. We too must realize that such is our security. My “shepherd” supplies the essentials needed for an eventual pasture where streams of water never cease. Meanwhile, on the journey there to heaven’s gate, he provides nourishment, refreshing, and relaxation with family and friends during the joys of life.

How comforting to know that this Shepherd is mine and knows my name and calls me to be protected from storm, danger and harm in the sheep pen. The shepherd has an important stake in my eventual rest in His everlasting arm.

The shepherd, Jesus, whose love has been demonstrated to us by His sacrifice and absolute willingness to defend us, will want us to come to Him and He will give us eventual rest.

The king of love my shepherd is,

Whose goodness fails me never;

I nothing lack if I am his,

And he is mine forever. (ELH 370).