Green Pastures

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. “Psalm 23:2

I was privileged to observe sheep grazing on the green mountains in Tibet.  The grass was vividly green and the sheep looked brilliantly white, against those lush green slopes.  The shepherd had his staff in his hand, as he watched the sheep graze on the steep Tibetian hillside.  It was a breath taking image to this visual learner.

Psalm 23 came to life, right before my very eyes.   I noticed the sheep all move together, under the Shepherd’s direction.  He never leaves one behind.  He knows his sheep and his sheep know Him.  They tend to stay with their flock because there is protection amongst the herd.  The enemy can attack more readily, when one gets separated from the fold.  That sheep is no longer under the voice and watchful care of the shepherd making him susceptible to falling over a cliff or being snatched away by a hungry wolf.

It’s the same way, when Christians decide to come out from under the watchful care of the church. The sheep become dissatisfied with the way things are and decide to leave the fold.  They decide separate themselves and go it alone.  The further away they go; the more they withdraw from the green pasture, where they were provided “green grass” and “Living water”.

Christ our Shepherd, gave His very life for the church.  It is there, we are to be nurtured and built up in our most holy faith.  We are provided with spiritual nourishment and find much needed accountability from our fellow sheep.  God created the church for His flock of followers.  We are His sheep and He is our Shepherd.  The pasture is not greener on the other side.  Stay in the fold.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord, may I allow You to lead me to green pastures.  I want to stay close to You on a daily basis.  May I never leave Your green pasture, the church You created for my good and Your glory.  As Your kingdom draws nigh, may I be the sheep You created me to be.  In Jesus Name I pray.  Amen