Sheep May Safely Graze

Today I finished two paintings that brought to mind the beautiful Bach melody, ‘Sheep May Safely Graze’ , from his Cantata 208.


'Rain clouds over Bethulie.' Oil on canvas. 800 x 630 mm.


If you haven’t heard it or can’t remember it, you will find many lovely versions on YouTube.

Our sheep here on Silvermere do not graze safely, unfortunately. Predators like jackals and lynx are a constant threat and an ever increasing problem that has driven many neighbouring farmers to change over to cattle ranching instead.


'A Shady Tree on a Hot Day.' Watercolour on Pastel Paper. 290 x 475 mm.


How comforting it is for us to know that we have an all-powerful Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ, who cares for us. He overcame Satan and rescued us when He died on the Cross, and rose again for our sake. No matter how we are tested and challenged, He is our everlasting  Saviour and Protector;

11 “For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search and find my sheep. 12 I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day. 13 I will bring them back home to their own land of Israel from among the peoples and nations. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel and by the rivers and in all the places where people live. 14 Yes, I will give them good pastureland on the high hills of Israel. There they will lie down in pleasant places and feed in the lush pastures of the hills. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign LORD. 16 I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes—feed them justice!”

-Ezekiel v 11–16. (NLT)



 


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Comments

4 responses to “Sheep May Safely Graze”

  1. Kirsten Avatar
    Kirsten

    Dear Barbara
    –I want to tell you that I love to look at your pictures ,-and to read what you writes from the Bible..the words from our Father .
    love from Kirsten

  2. Pam Avatar
    Pam

    Dearest Barbs

    I love your pic of the storm clouds and the sheep and all your comments on the sheep and the predators and our Lord’s care etc. One of our pastors did a series on Psalm 23 recently and brought out thoughts that I had never even thought of before…I love the fact that the Lord is still our Shepherd and in control, even when the storm clouds are overhead. Love you lots – you are a special lady!

    Pam

  3. Maureen Tomaino Avatar

    I love the Sheep may safely graze painting…and the words of the Lord. there is a inspired feel to the painting and it touches one deeply well done!

    1. Barbara Avatar

      Thanks Maureen, I continue to find our sheep inspiring in the light of how they are symbolized in the Bible. I am continually led to paint sheep and see them as we are, being led by our divine Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

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