When Hyenas Howl

G.A. Smith on the appropriateness of the Bible’s shepherd imagery:

On some high moor, across which at night hyenas howl, when you meet him, sleepless, far-sighted, weather-beaten, armed, leaning on his staff, and looking out over his scattered sheep, every one on his heart, you understand why the shepherd of Judea sprang to the front in his people’s history; why they gave his name to their king, wand made him the symbol of Providence; why Christ took him as the type of self-sacrifice. (Quoted by Timothy Laniak in Shepherds After My Own Heart, 57)

I read this paragraph and pray for the elders, screw up my courage, and give thanks for Christ.