Time to Draw Aside

I have a journaling program on my PC and this was the assignment today. Hope it is a blessing to you.

Prose Prompt - Write a story about or tribute to an author, poet or musician (fictional or nonfictional).

He began his career in obscurity. He was the runt of the family and the "baby".. His brothers were fine, strapping kids who looked to be future warriors and leaders of men. he was relegated to prodding stupid, smelly sheep.

He was set aside for special times of quiet contemplation. He knew that sometimes strength came from stillness. Sometimes perspective came from being out of the hurried life.

We need the time when the distractions are diminished, the amusements absent and the clutter cleared away. This man-child, with a heart for God looked inward and upward for ways to occupy his heart and soul.

His sheep knew the comfort, courage and calm of his voice.

They knew he used the simple sling to defeat the bear and the lion. The bear- fierce and loud and intimidating, except to a boy who saw the Creator and feared not the creature.

The lion regal and intimidating. I lay in wait and pounced on those not paying attention. In a flash, the helpless pitiful bleating of the sheep as it realized too late, it's focused, fleshly desires had led it too quickly and subtlety into the range of the lion.

The lion, who lay in wait of the opportunity was about to drown in it's own saliva contemplating the tasty lamb.

There was however and unexpected factor.

The heart of the shepherd.

You see, it may have seemed like the stone from the sling did him in, but the lion was defeated by one with a greater heart. The shepherd king. David. Singer, Musician, Poet, King.

One of the greatest embodiments of a man's man in history. He could slay the giant or shed a tear for a lamb. John Wayne, Rambo and Chuck Norris are sissies compared to him.

Yet. he is an imperfect shadow of He who was to come-the Lamb of God, the Lion, the Good Shepherd, the King.

What troubles you today. The bears are growling and the economy is in the tank? Stay close to the Shepherd and hear His voice.

Being attacked by sin crouching at the door to your heart and home? Submit yourself to the King and the lion who prowls will have to flee.

Then, feel yourself, being lifted off the secure, stable earth. You are being raised up into the arms of the Good Shepherd and instead of standing on your own two feet, you are being held close to His heart. He is whispering in your ear, "I love you. I died for you. Why would you want to wander?"