When I was growing up, this picture hung on my grandmother’s wall. I remember studying it as a child, absorbing the story it tells.
The helpless lamb. The faithful shepherd dog calling for help.
The vultures in the background just waiting for the dog to give up and trot away to the warmth of home.
One day as I was cleaning out a closet, I came across that very picture–I had forgotten that I had it. I studied it again, and all the same feelings washed over me, but now even more.
This dog has only limited ability to help the lamb himself, but he’s trusting that the shepherd will come and complete the rescue.
We, the Church, are to be like that shepherd dog. We are commissioned to guard and protect helpless and endangered souls.
And as we do, we call on the Shepherd to come and complete the Rescue. He is the only one who can do so.
And when He comes and takes the lamb on His shoulders and says to his friends, “Rejoice with Me, because I have found My sheep that was lost!” we will be there, rejoicing with Him.
This, my friends, is real, true Christianity. When it is walked out in faithfulness, it is a beautiful thing.
***
Go here to download your free Guide, How to Enjoy the Bible Again (when you’re ready) After Spiritual Abuse (without feeling guilty or getting triggered out of your mind). You’ll receive access to both print and audio versions of the Guide (audio read by me). I’m praying it will be helpful.
Very powerful! I have never seen this picture before. Thank you for sharing it!
I’m glad Rebecca linked to this from another article, in the comments section.
More people need such a picture on their walls. What an illustrative picture, too. Without the guard dog, the lamb is left for the vultures to pick over. Without anyone heeding the guard dog’s barking, the alerting is useless. Without the guard dog’s barking, the lamb would not stand a chance. But without anyone more powerful heeding the guard dog’s barks, it all falls down.
People with power and authority need to wield such to benefit the sheep.
There is so much truth in that simple imagery! I would love to get a copy of that print!
Thank you for posting this.
Pictures hanging on grandmothers’ walls also had an impact on my life. You can see more pictures by the same artist at this link: http://www.bordercolliemuseum.org/WalterHunt/WalterHunt.html. I especially like the one titled, “Retribution,” near the end of the page.
Hi I have an original print of this picture that is about 80 years old. It hung in my grandparents home as long as I can remember and I am 73 It is in perfect condition and I have always loved it.
thanks
Connie
Yes, it is wonderful.