Week
of Prayer for Christian Unity • Day 7 • January 24, 2012
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The Good Shepherd, by
Harold Copping
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Changed
by Good Shepherd
Readings
• 1
Samuel 2:1-10 Not by might does one prevail
• Psalms
23 You are there with Your rod and Your staff
• Ephesians
6:10-20 Be strong in the Lord
• John
21:15-19 Feed my sheep
Commentary
Those who prevail over suffering, need support from on high. That support
comes through prayer. We read about the power of Hannah’s prayer in the
first chapter of the Book of Samuel. In the second chapter, we can find
Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving. She realized that some things happen only
with the help of God. It was through his will that Hannah and her husband
became parents. This text is an example that strengthens one’s faith in
what would seem to be a hopeless situation. It is an example of victory.
The Good Shepherd of Psalm 23 guides his sheep even through the darkest
places, comforting them with his presence. Those who place their trust
in the Lord have no need to fear even the shadows of dissolution or disunity,
as their shepherd will lead them into the green pastures of truth, to dwell
together in the Lord’s own house.
In the Letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul urges us to be strong
in the Lord and in the strength of his power by putting on spiritual armor:
truth, righteousness, proclaiming the Good News, faith, salvation, the
word of God, prayer and supplication.
The risen Lord urges Peter (and in his person each disciple) to discover
in himself a love of him who alone is the One True Shepherd. If you have
such love, then feed my sheep! In other words, feed them, protect them,
care for them, strengthen them because they are mine and belong to me!
Be my good servant and tend to those who have loved me and who follow my
voice. Teach them mutual love, cooperation, and boldness as they go along
the twists and turns of life.
As a result of divine grace, the witness to Christ that has been confirmed
in us obliges us to act jointly for the sake of unity. We have the ability
and the knowledge to bear such witness! But are we willing to? The Good
Shepherd, who by his life, teaching and conduct strengthens all who have
put their trust in his grace and support, invites us to cooperate with
him unconditionally. Thus fortified, we will be able to help one another
on the road to unity. So let us become strong in the Lord, that we may
strengthen others in a joint testimony of love.
Prayer
Father of all, You call us to be one flock in Your Son, Jesus Christ.
He is our Good Shepherd who invites us to ly down in green pastures, leads
us beside still waters, and restores our souls. In following him, may we
so care for others that all see in us the love of the one true Shepherd,
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever. Amen.
Family Reflection
A girl had a dream. And in that dream she saw her life like a path
along a beach. She could see her footprints in the sand on the beach, and
each footprint marked an event, a part of the journey of her life.
And she noticed that for most of the way there was another set of footprints.
In the good times the footsteps seemed to have gone for a dance, since
the sand was so stirred up; but in normal life the other pair of footsteps
would just be close beside hers’. She realized that the other footprints
were those of Jesus, the good shepherd, walking with her in her life; and
she was very happy. But then she noticed something odd. In the most difficult
times of her life there was only one pair of footprints in the sand, and
so she turned in her dream to Jesus and asked him where he was in those
difficult times, and why he had not stayed with her. Jesus turned his warm
and loving eyes on her and said “I was with you in those times, but I carried
you, for you did not have the strength to walk”.
When have you found Jesus to be close by your side? Do you pray to him
to help you through the day, and give your strength, and carry you, when
you are going through a difficult time?
When each of us walks with Jesus then we are all walking together. |
