Healing Shepherd

By Roy Stetler
July 21, 2024

What does “the Lord is my Shepherd” mean to you?  Imagine God shepherding every person, and beyond that, the entire universe.

Jesus and his disciples seek rest in Mark 6, only to be found by crowds of people, sheep without a shepherd, seeking healing and hope.  Each time the crowds find him, Jesus’ compassionate care reveals the gracious love of God.  In his faithful action, Jesus sets an example for his disciples and us.

The miraculous nature of the healing stories in the Gospels can distract or even frighten us away from following Jesus as healers.  Yet, if we remember that the healing of God flows through Jesus’ followers (like us!), then it is not by our power that we heal, but we merely share the healing of God.  We cannot predict, demand, or dictate results.

By the love of Jesus, we simply invite others to receive the healing presence of God.  With silent and spoken prayer, we entrust them to God with kindness and hope.  We needn’t be nervous or “pushy” since our action is driven by love, as it was for Jesus and his disciples.

Jesus the Good Shepherd seeks the wounded, lonely, misunderstood, despised, and hungry poor.  We are humble caregivers—healers who have been healed.  Freely we receive, freely we give.  This is healing love.