Both the collage of “Shepherd” and “Shepherdess” are the result of reflection on another torn paper collage entitled, “The Beloved.” “The Beloved,” is like an icon of the Shepherd; symbolic and formal in style. I reworked a digital version of the original using Adobe software and created “Shepherdess,” and then “The Shepherd,” making their appearance more human and contemporary in style. The Shepherd became a primary metaphor for Creator God as care giver. God’s servants throughout the Bible are gifted to be care givers and shepherd; gifted for various kinds of leadership, and ministries of helps; the Spirit of God gifted individuals to protect, defend, feed, rescue spiritual flocks. God calls Godself a Shepherd. “Like a shepherd the Lord God will come and tend His flock. In His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” (Isaiah 40:11; also see Psalm 23:1; Ezekiel 34:12-15). Jesus of Nazareth called himself “the Good Shepherd” echoing Isaiah 40 (John 10:11, 14). The early Christian Church looked to the Spirit of Jesus as the Good Shepherd as seen in Hebrews 13:20 and 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4. In the biblical book of Genesis, chapter 29, we are told that Rachel was a shepherd caring for her father’s sheep. It was not uncommon for girls and women to have responsibility for caring the family flock.

{ close window }