The Herd

Something was wrong. The quiet night emphasized the clanging of sheep bells. But on this night, no bell was heard. Tragedy came to Gabriel Oaks that night when his flock ran off and over the precipice. Herein is the Thomas Hardy story, Far from the Madding Crowd, seemingly a plot that has little connection to the scripture reading. But a post-modern examination says otherwise. However, a magnifying glass permits a finer interpretation.

The country setting is not an Eden. Life’s difficulties persist. Setting aside the romances, a particular focus of the novel, the shepherd raises some curiosity. Sheep are his life, and a shepherd whose sheep go for mutton is a failure. These sheep are raised for their wool and are therefore precious to the shepherd and the economy. This good shepherd can cure sheep ailments, know their bleating, and help with the birthing. They can’t protect themselves from any danger except to run in any direction. The bond between shepherd and sheep is strong.

And now another Good Shepherd who knows his sheep, and the sheep know this Good Shepherd who loves them and will protect them. Here is a love story calling us not to stray.

In the dark of the night, when in the forest, bulbous eyes of trolls, cyclops, and minotaurs peer out from the dark woods, raising the urge to run, to escape these phantom horrors. We cry out, and this Good Shepherd will hear our plea, and we will not run.

Prayer

The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. (Psalm 23:1-4)