IMAGES OF GOD

Copyright Rosemary Bardsley 2004

IMAGES OF GOD #1

Throughout the Bible God gives us many pictures of himself. Over the next few months we will be looking at some of these images to learn what kind of being this God is, whom the Bible affirms is the one, true God (Isaiah 45:5).

The strong, compassionate care of God is seen in the image of the Shepherd. In Isaiah 40:11 we read: 'He tends his flock like a shepherd: he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.'

Think for a moment about this picture. In your mind see the shepherd carrying a number of weak, new-born lambs in his arms, close to his heart, protected from the cold by the strong shelter of his arms and his cloak. See him patiently, gently, leading the pregnant ewes, taking them on the easy paths, the smoothest tracks.

Gentle, patient, caring, protecting - this is what the one true God is towards all who acknowledge him. As a shepherd calls his sheep by name, so this Shepherd calls to you.

When you hear his call, follow him. He is the one, true Shepherd, the one, true God.

Scriptures: Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34; John 10:1-30.