During this time of home assignment we have had the opportunity to spend time with all of our children and grandchildren. What a privilege and joy!
In November we went to northern Africa — our first time on the african continent. We were attentive observers of all going on around us. Though it was Africa we were visiting, we imagined it to be very similar to what one might see in the lands of the Bible. Perusing through pictures later, three especially brought me back to God’s Word and added new depths of meaning to well-known passages of scripture.
“… the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. …. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. …. I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. (John 10:2-4;14,15 NLT)
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What I saw exemplified in this photo as far as the life of the shepherd is sacrifice and satisfaction. It does not appear that this elderly gentleman with the small band of sheep has an easy life for sure. Even so, a hint of a smile seems to tug at his mouth. Perhaps it is a smile of contentment that he has a job to do and animals to care for, and satisfaction that he can do his job well. The pasture is certainly not plentiful. As this was taken from our car as we passed by, what was available was only what we saw along the roadside. Yet, he does not appear worried. For today it is enough. His is a life of sacrifice My Savior did the same for me. He was willing to do whatever necessary that He could be my all-sufficient Savior. “The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” (Ps. 23:1 NLT) He is enough for my every need.
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Three of the four gospels tell that a “crown of thorns” was platted and “put on” the head of Jesus. I have heard various speakers say that the verb there for “put on” is more like the crown of thorns was pushed down into the flesh with force. Looking at these thorns from a bush native to this area in Africa and also in the mid-East, I had a much deeper sense of pain and anguish thinking of the suffering of Jesus. These thorns were very sharp and pointed and very strong, not easily broken. Oh, the suffering of my Lord, in my place, taking the punishment that should have been mine The line of a hymn comes to mind, “Oh, the deep deep love of Jesus, …” Only God could love me like that. Only the perfect lamb of God could take my place on the cross and fully pay the price of sin that I owed.
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I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.” John 10:16 We are thankful to the Lord for giving us the opportunity to visit this land and of course our family here. Our prayer is this that these dear ones who are yet without a shepherd, will listen to the voice of the true Shepherd, recognize Him for Who He is and come into the His sheepfold as well.