Bah ram you

Jesus wants to save Christians - the book I'm reading at the moment. It's by Rob Bell, the guy that created the Nooma series. I've only read a chapter or so, but it's been pretty good so far.

The book seems to be working from Genesis through to Revelation, telling the story of mankind - the ups and downs. So, obviously the book starts at Genesis, and the story of Cain and Abel is briefly told.

Rob makes a significant distinction between Cain and Abel - the book of Genesis tells us that Cain 'worked the soil' while Abel 'kept flocks'. Cain was a farmer, and Abel was a shepherd. A farmer is settled, finding a comfortable place where his crops will reap a successful harvest and staying there for extended periods of time. A shepherd is nomadic, moving from place to place - wherever there is food for his flock.

And this reminded me of a question Jonny posed at me last night - hypothetically speaking, if God called me to pack-up everything and move to another country, would I do it?

Doing so would mean I would have to leave my career, my friends, my family, my house, most of my posessions.

And I find comfort in these things. I find security in them. My response to the question was that God would have to work on me, to remove my dependence on these things. I guess in a way I've become like that of a farmer - I've found a good spot where I'm comfortable, and I'm reluctant to move.

How would Jesus classify Himself? As a farmer or a shepherd?

Well, He already classified Himself as a Shepherd (John 10). And this is reflected through His ministry - Jesus didn't stay in one place - He moved around, from town to town - going to the people who needed Him. He wasn't tied down by His desires to own a nice car, or have a huge house, or to climb the career ladder. He was nomadic - moving to where He needed to be to minister.

I believe we are all called to be shepherds that are not tied-down by things of this world, but move freely to do God's work. God, help me to be a shepherd that will put aside my own agendas, and lay down my life for You and Your sheep.

I will deliver you, and you will honour Me.