From the archives of Evelyn Roberts
There is a famous painting by R. Hook which portrays Christ as the Good Shepherd. The strong, manly shepherd is leading His flock through a narrow valley with sheer cliffs on both sides. The sheep appear to be calm, and some are resting, however, because their shepherd is with them and watching over them.
The focal point of the painting is the sheep which the shepherd is carrying on His broad ample shoulders. This sheep is obviously not a very young lamb. In fact, it appears to be almost fully grown. Apparently the sheep is not hurt, for it is resting there so peacefully on His strong shoulder. Nor does it appear to be a sheep that has been lost or has gone astray, for its coat of wool is still quite clean and free of briars.
But then why is Jesus carrying this sheep?
The observer of the painting finally comes to the conclusion that this must be a tired sheep. It is not sick or lost — it’s just exhausted from the long day’s walk. Perhaps the shepherd saw it stumbling along trying to keep up with the others, and He tenderly picked it up and carried it until its strength returned.
Isn’t it marvelous to know that when you are tired at times and feel that you don’t have enough strength to go on, you can almost feel the Lord lifting you up and placing you on His shoulder until you feel your strength return?
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is saying to you today, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
