I remember, back in high school student, being asked to envision my life ten years into the future, to make a five or ten year plan. It’s a job interview question I’ve had too, “where do you see yourself in five years”. I get how it’s important to have goals and plans, a positive perspective for the future. But it’s not a question I’ve especially liked because, in my experience, life rarely goes as I plan. It works out, of course, and in many ways it’s been better than I’ve planned. But those moments of having to surrender part of my vision, the experience of realizing how my plans just aren’t going to work out, is frustrating and even painful at times. We’re often left wondering why this has to be, why our vision or perspective, our great plans for the future, can’t be realized.
Today is often called Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus has referred to himself as, “…the good shepherd.”[i] and in this weekend we take a closer look at how the image of a shepherd and sheep is a great analogy for our relationship with the Saviour. On our own, we accomplish many amazing things; we’ve built a blessed nation, we’ve formed wonderful families, we’ve harnessed great powers, but all it takes is a little turmoil in life, a health issue, the loss of a job, conflict or inflation, to discover how we’re as weak as sheep, powerless against the predators of the world; a Good Shepherd is vital to our survival.
Everyone loves Psalm 23, ‘The Lord is my shepherd’. It begins by forming an image from the perspective of sheep trusting that the good shepherd will lead to green pastures and clean waters. I’m sure, if we were sheep, there would be no argument from us; safety, shelter, food, drink: sounds like bliss for sheep; what else could be wanted? Maybe that’s what you wish for yourself: safety, shelter food and drink. Maybe you’ve envisioned the best: a big house in a fancy neighbourhood, steak and eggs every morning. Maybe you’re a little humbler, happy to settle for mac and cheese and a modest home in Bowmanville.
But our vision and God’s perspective don’t always match. It may be enough for sheep to have their basic needs and comforts met. But we’re more than sheep and the Good Shepherd is so good because he knows that we’ll never be satisfied with simply having basic needs met. In the Psalm, the work of the Good Shepherd doesn’t end with the provision of the best food and drink. It continues, “You prepare a table before me…”[ii]. Turns out, the comfort of green fields and flowing water isn’t enough; the Good Shepherd wants to share a meal with his flock, he wants the sheep to share his joy.
The Psalm concludes, “…I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.”[iii] The sheep are invited to live in the home of the Good Shepherd. That’s not how farms usually work: animals usually stay in barns, away from those who look after them. This is the Easter perspective, the vision of the Good Shepherd: for his sheep to live, not in the best barns possible, or to have the best food, but to share in his life and joy.
Here’s the challenge and where many frustrations appear: before living with the Good Shepherd and eating at his table, before being truly happy with the Easter perspective of the Good Shepherd, the sheep must be willing to let go of their own dreams for barns and green fields and water, they must want for more than comfort and the fulfillment of basic needs and instead long for what only the Good Shepherd can provide. The flock of the Good Shepherd recognize that their plans and vision, no matter how good they may be, always fall short of the Easter perspective the Good Shepherd wishes for them. A great example of this lived out is seen in our patron, Saint Joseph. Before learning about his call to be the foster father of Jesus, I have no doubts he had great and good plans for the life of his family. Accepting the even greater plan of God, a plan for life for all, meant surrendering his own plans.
Of course, it’s still a great practice to make plans and envision a great future; it feeds hope and motivation. So do make the best of plans. But disciples pray to gain an Easter perspective, so when the Good Shepherd urges us away from the comfort of green fields, warm barns and fresh water, we’re willing to follow. When we accept the Easter perspective of the Good Shepherd, when we long to join at his table and live in his home, the frustrations and pains that arise when our own dreams are shattered are overshadowed by his life and joy.
Prayer
Kindly shepherd, guide us to the banquet of your Kingdom. Shepherd of love, guard us against powers that work to divide. Holy Shepherd, reveal to us your redeeming plan. Good Shepherd, never allow us to wander away from you. In your name we pray. Amen.
[i] John 10:11 NRSVCE
[ii] Psalm 23: 5 NRSVCE
[iii] Psalm 23: 6 NRSVCE
