The Shepherds Who Show Wonders

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — from Psalm 23

After all that, Christian and Hopeful came to a lovely place: the Delectable Mountains, which were so close to the great City that you could almost see it. Green hills, gardens, fountains — and four kind shepherds looking after the sheep. Their names were Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere.

The shepherds welcomed the tired travellers, gave them food, and let them rest. Then they said, “Come, let us show you some things.” They took them up the hills and showed them sights that were partly wonderful and partly a warning — places where travellers who left the right path had come to harm. It made Christian and Hopeful very glad they had stayed on the way.

Best of all, the shepherds led them up a high hill called Clear and gave them a special telescope. The two friends’ hands trembled with excitement, but through it they caught a glimpse — far, far ahead — of the gate of the Celestial City itself. Their journey’s end was in sight!

As the pilgrims set off again, the shepherds gave them a kindly warning: keep watching, and don’t fall asleep along the way.

God is like those good shepherds. He feeds us, gives us rest, warns us of danger, and lets us catch sight of the wonderful home he is bringing us to. The Lord is your shepherd — you can trust him to lead you all the way.

Dear God, thank you for being my shepherd, who feeds me, guides me, and shows me the way home. Amen.