Grains of Sand

Pixabay, Public Domain Sheep need sufficient pasture or they will not feed well. They need quiet waters or else they will not drink. They need a place free from predators and danger or they will be too anxious to eat or drink. It’s the job of the shepherd to look after all these things. “ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies ” (Psalm 23:5). It’s the shepherd’s job to “ prepare a table .” Hunger is an enemy. Thirst is an enemies. Snakes and wolves and thieves are enemies. In the human realm, the pastor-shepherd’s task is much the same. He must “ prepare a table ” so that hunger for Truth is satisfied. He must “ prepare a table ” so the thirst for the waters of salvation can be quenched. He must chase away the snakes-in-the-grass and the wolves-in-sheep’s- clothing that prey on his flock. He must deal with the thieves that rob the flock of peace and disturb them, making it difficult for them to benefit from the banquet that God has for them through th...