We finally exit day one, get some rest and back on the bus for a trip south. As we head south on the bus God rearranged our plans with a wonderful flock of sheep surrounded by goats on a hillside. We stopped the bus and got up in the (green pastures)for a first hand look at sheep with their shepherd.
Every picture has an application and a very useful message for us today. Perhaps the lesson we didn't discuss much was a lesson that was perhaps much more then Psalms 23. In Matt 25:32, Jesus talks about the great day of separation when he will separate the nation (people in Greek) like a shepherd would separate the sheep from the goats. Remember how these animals walked together over those hills? The goats have a mind of their own and are often walking on the outside of the flock of sheep. The sheep would be guided by voice but the goats by force. Why would a shepherd want to separate these? What was Jesus teaching about this scene? A very heart stirring message for us who at times want to walk on the fringes of the flock and not be in community with one another because we have an opinion that to us is better or higher then others who we are called to walk with. Lord teach us from this all important lesson!
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The Lord spoke to me today about walking in paths of righteousness and being consistent..."making straight paths" for the feet of those who come behind.In relation to that, the life of Abraham speaks from accross the years: "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Genesis 18:19 Before God I long to be among those who walk with Him and are faithful whether or not anyone sees... I am receiving the benefits today of those who lived for God in centuries past!
Lee
I was surprised after I got home from Israel how much this was the lesson that came back to me. The "one mouthful" at a time thing. The first few weeks of living in this way were great...living in the moment, for the project at hand, not worrying about the future (even ten minutes from now)...and finding His grace more than sufficient for what I needed at that time. I can't say I've been real consistent in living this way lately, and I needed the "green pastures" reminder...the picture of those tufts of grass. Will you pray for me when you read this comment that I will live in the wonderful grace of the moment! And I pray that each of you will too. Listen to the VOICE of the Shepherd...He will lead you to the next mouthful.
Those "paths of righteousness" keep coming to mind. They didn't get there because one generation supernaturally built them; for thousands of years, flocks kept going the same direction.
Am I walking the good paths I've been shown? Am I making them clearer and easier for those coming behind?
Looking forward to seeing y'all this weekend!
Wow, even this lesson is "green pastures",it's just what I needed. The reminder to FOLLOW the Shepherd, listen to his voice and to trust him every step of the way because if I let him he will lead me in 'paths of righteousness' -not for me- but 'for his names sake.' He will provide everything I need for right now. 'God is good, His mercy endureth forever.'
P.S. It's so awesome, this new language that we speak and to see these pictures of God :)
Amen to the above comments! And another picture nobody mentioned yet...those goats, full of their own ideas and cocky attitudes, not caring whether we do this together, I've got it figured out already...! Woe to the goats! I long to be a sheep, dumb enough to trust endlessly my Good Shepherd, because He really does care for me and all the flock, and does provide every mouthful and every refreshing water spring He knows is hidden around that barren desert hill. Can't wait to meet with you other dusty sheep!!!
signed: Andrea...sorry, I pushed a button that sent the above without a name. :)
Andrea, I love that picture..."dusty sheep." :)
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