Feeding the Flock a Healthy Meal

Among the many portraits of the church painted in Scripture, none is more calming and comforting than a flock of sheep under the watchful eye of a caring shepherd. And when we add the presence of a pasture full of lush, green grass, the picture is even more appealing. But this is almost too idealistic. The truth is, not all sheep stay in the flock . . . not all shepherds are caring and faithful . . . not all that’s lush and green is edible grass . . . and not all peaceful places are free of danger. Let’s trace this analogy through several scriptural scenes. Hopefully, the time we spend in God’s Word will leave us with a realistic awareness of what it means to be among our Shepherd’s flock and how it feels to be fed from His hand.