The Shepherd's Song; A Reflection on Rising Responsibilities of the Church Evg. Ditty Thomas

THE SHEPHERD’S SONG; A Reflection on Rising Responsibilities of the Church

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and village, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:35-36).

Kingdom Perspectives | March-April 2020 15 Today, we need Jesus more than ever before fellowship etc. It speaks about a journey that starts since many are losing their heart and plunging with hope, goes into darkness and comes back to life. into spiritual and mental distress as they worry The singer begins with joy. The song is all about our about the Covid-19 and the damage it can do to God, the divine Shepherd-King, who leads His people their lives. We usually are hopeful about who we are to nourishment and safety. However, the scene in the and what we can do. The question is, how do we find song quickly turns to darkness. The path which he hope in these difficult times? The Bible points to travels becomes a valley of the shadow of death. But certain solutions for all dilemmas in this regard. Jesus the shepherd's 'rod' and 'staff, becomes the divine is a compassionate God who moved with sympathy guidance implemented to protect and guide the sheep. when he saw the people without a shepherd (Matthew Thus, the sheep gets comfort. 9:35-36). Accordingly, we the church, being the light The Shepherd's song is all about real life and not an and lamp to the world, must be a source of hope and idealised picture. It speaks of suffering akin to facing life to the world. Amidst the present scenario; the enemies. We have a stronghold and refuge; we do not church has increased its responsibility to serve God depend on ourselves but in a God who keeps us. even more and reach our pain stricken society. Hence, we read in the end of the Shepherd's song that: Though we learn and practice the ideas of isolation, “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the social distancing and lockdowns from the days of my life.” Great to see the people doing all they government. As far as the spiritual warfare is can to help folks in our communities and to meet their concerned we need to hear from God. Let us seek physical and emotional needs; but the church should God's face to fight every issue in life including the be taking a lead role in helping and providing spiritual virus. We must see God as the essential spiritual bread and drink to the needy. emotional and physical healer in times like these. Remember the example of the Good Samaritan, the Three thousand years ago a young King from the story in the Bible, which speaks about the need to take shepherd background called David, wrote a song. It care of others. Similarly, let us ensure we have noticed was far-famed in his time and widely renowned even those who are in distress, even if they are often today. It is the Shepherd's song, Psalm-23 “The Lord is invisible to us. We are capable of bearing the truth. my Shepherd.” It is quite popular; even the divas of Honesty strengthens our hopes. Finally, there is one today would consider it as a great achievement. We more thing that everyone can do. “Prayer!” Let us sing it in our corporate worship, weddings, common pray for all. Stay blessed. T