“Shepherd in Spring IV” by J. Kirk Richards

Shared by Sarah Baker, Discovery Park Ward

Christ is depicted here as both deity and shepherd; a god possessing power to create worlds, destroy wickedness, and offer redemption, and a shepherd with an arm outstretched in merciful invitation. He said, “If ye will come unto me, ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive.” (3 Nephi 9:14)

In the midst of destruction, Christ promises not just life but eternal life. It must have felt miraculous to those who stood surrounded by calamity and death, aware of their own mortality and imperfection. Because both His power and his mercy are infinite, Christ offers each of us the same miracle: eternal life, complete restoration of losses, and a fulness of joy. The price for this merciful gift? A willing heart. A greater desire to be near Him than anywhere else. “Whosoever will” may come and receive.

I love how the sheep are gathered together as they approach the shepherd. We cannot be close to Him without loving and serving those He loves. True ministering can bring both giver and receiver to Christ, and when we reach out as He does, we are drawn into His flock ourselves. The greatest gift we can offer another is an invitation to walk together toward the Good Shepherd, the only source of true healing, hope and salvation. 

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Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

-Francis of Assisi

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“Savior Redeemer of My Soul” by Rob Gardner

Shared by Larke Witten, Discovery Park Ward

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