This was a "different" read. Instead of it being about vision or strategy; it was more about the unique ways that God communicates his love for us through the images of scripture. It was the most refreshing read of the sabbatical. The book followed three common themes in scripture: sheep/shepherd, the soil, honey, and the vine.
Random Thoughts:
"Boundaries are essential for a sheep's survival."
- That's true for us too.
An uncontrollable ram can cause immense damage to a flock. They need to know the shepherd is to be respected.
When sheep are alone and weak, they are too quick to give up.
Once a sheep responds to the beckoning of the shepherd, they are his forever.
When David sinned, he wasn't the only who was punished. The entire flock suffered.
The firstborn to the shepherd is of greatest significance. To be asked to sacrifice the first would have been the same as saying that God was first in your life.
When God asked for a sheep w/o blemish; he was asking for the very best. They had worked for years to develop a spotless lamb.
Sacrifice places me in a posture of depending upon God and trusting Him.
Without a shepherd, sheep are just "mutton on a stick".
Sheep are not dumb. They are defenseless. There is a difference.
Shepherding teaches you to lead from the front rather than the back.
By the time I finished reading this section; I realized what a privilege it is to be a shepherd. I also found myself missing my sheep!
A farmer cannot afford to look back when plowing. All his energy and focus is forward.
When God's word says "do not reap in the corners of the field" He is reminding us that we do not need all that we think we do.
Gleaning teaches us that it's not about having more, it's about having enough.
When I finished the section on the harvest of the soil, I was reminded that we are to labor but also trust. God is the one who brings the growth. God is the one who brings the harvest.
How many roles are there in a bee-hive? Queen, drone, workers. The workers provide the most labor: nurse bees, fanning bees, queen attendants, feed the drones, seal the honey, build the comb, pack he pollen, carry water, mortuary bees, guard bees.
If a community of bees can do so much with so little, how much more can you and I accomplish with the great resources our Father has given us?
I wonder, have you ever really given much thought to your role in the "hive"? Who is depending upon you? Who is looking to you?
Jesus turns water into wine ... never noticed that it was on the "third day" that the hosts ran out of wine and Jesus came to their rescue.
Life without the gift of rest is merely existing without being able to enjoy the bouquet of all we have been given.
Anyone who plants a vineyard is looking ahead to the future.
All too often I find myself clinging to that which is comfortable and familiar, rather than embracing the challenges that emerge with change and growth.
Whoever is pruning the vine really is the master.
Jesus waits with even greater expectancy and passionate longing than I ever will. When he raised his cup, he was already thinking about the next time he would be with his followers.
Never thought too much about the vine and abiding in the vine previously. Sometimes I think we might be tempted to think "I am the vine" ... when clearly we are NOT. Abiding in Him, trusting Him, allowing Him to prune as He sees fit ... trusting that He knows best.
Like I said, refreshing thoughts here. After reading it; it was like ahhhhhhhhhhh ...
