Prompt thought of the week:
We too often look for security (love) in powerful figures, sure that they can “fix” things for us. It was no different for the people of the First and Second Testaments. They were looking for Kings, Saviors, and Liberators who would offer peace and security in uncertain times. And they often looked “in all the wrong places.” The Pharisees just can’t believe that this trouble-maker, rule-breaker named Jesus is the One, the Son of God and Savior. Time and again, Jesus uses the metaphor of a Shepherd to teach us how we ought to love and care for each other. No wonder; the Shepherd does what is needed when it is needed, regardless of the “rules.”
We often look to powerful figures for security. Often now these are presidents or officials with other titles but there are still a few kings around as well.
We recently had the advent of a Chinese surveillance balloon hovering or flying above our country. Some say our president was negligent in not shooting it down immediately yet reports say military people said it wasn’t much of a threat and debris from it could harm people or property if shot down so it was best to wait until it was over water. Then it was destroyed over water and the debris collected to be analyzed. Who was correct about the threat?
Sometimes we are faced with weighty decisions. Life or death decisions as a matter of fact. If you see something happen to someone you might worry if you would get in trouble if you tried to aid them and something went sideways.
But Jesus teaches us to do what is needed when it is needed EVEN IF we might pay a price for it later. Remember the story of the shepherd who leaves his flock unattended to search for one gone astray or who might be in trouble. So let us be the good shepherd and care for God’s people.
Prayer: God give me the courage to step up to the plate to assist others in need.
Dorothy Northey