A Tale of five Sheep

The stained glass window in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd has been a favorite of mine since coming to First UMC Jefferson City. I have spent many hours praying and preparing as I look at that amazing scene.

Over time I have looked at the five very different sheep in the scene and over my life I have been each one of those sheep. As you listen to the description of the sheep ask God to help you see which one you are.

The first sheep is the one on the left. It has horns which are supposed to imply power. But this sheep that seems so powerful is actually trapped in the weeds. It is the farthest of all the sheep from Jesus and seems to have lost its way and is trapped in the weeds. All its implied strength is lost in the tangle of life and its distance from Jesus.

The second sheep is on the far right. It is the next farthest from Jesus. Its posture seems at first to be weariness, but looking closer it seems sullen or sulky. In its unhappiness it not only is farther from Jesus but seems to hang back from the other sheep.

The third sheep is to the immediate left of Jesus. Even in its closeness to Jesus it seems to be looking away and ahead as though it is worried about the future or caught up in the now. Its feet are set and makes one wonder if it will move on with Jesus or just stay where it feels “safe”.

The fourth sheep is to the immediate right of Jesus. It is looking up into the face of Jesus and its posture is leaning close even while ready to move forward to remain near Jesus. One hoof is on the grass and the other is on bare ground heading for stone. The hoof heading for stone is a golden color and seems to imply the value received from following Jesus.

The fifth sheep is resting in the arms of Jesus. Just saying that brings joy to me! This lamb is looking fully into the face of Jesus even as Jesus is gazing at the lamb. There seems to be communication or relationship going on! Both of the hoofs of the lamb you see are golden. The other hoofs are cradled in the arms of Jesus. This sheep is not concerned where it is going as long it can see Jesus’ face.

Which sheep are you right now? Which do you want to be? But an even better question to me is which sheep do you think Jesus wants you to be?

Pastor Ron 6/28/2016