The Sheepfold

Folded in Hesed
Hesed is Hebrew for the indescribable, undeserved love of God.

We are folded in His hesed. What does it mean to be folded? It means to be enclosed and safely protected by Jesus Who is the Good Shepherd and the Door of the Sheep.
 
Dusty and I arrived home on January 7, 2020 from our miracle trip to Israel.

We toured with Michael Card (singer, songwriter and incredible teacher) and his Life of Christ Tour team. Our first stop was a sheep fold near Bethlehem, an enclosed area for the sheep to sleep at night. You can see part of it in the first picture that includes sweet Lauren (who was taking pictures for us) and our wonderful teacher and guide, Dr. David Miller. The landscape included this cave-like area where stone walls were built to create a wall. The good shepherd would sleep in the doorway of the fold to protect the sheep from animals seeking to devour them.

 
Psalm 139:5 was on my mind during the whole trip – “You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.” Such love and protection! During this special 11 days in Israel with 25 other people, we wore little boxes around our necks with ear buds, so our guide, David, could instruct us as we journeyed from site to site. His ability to speak to us in this way was critical for our understanding, as well as for our safety. Also, Ron would go in front of us, and Susan would be behind us, constantly counting heads to be sure we were all together. Whether we were walking through a packed, narrow street, or on the Temple Mount, or on slippery hiking paths, our shepherds protected us in every way. When I looked up and saw Ron ahead of me, I knew I was on the right path; then if I saw Susan, I knew I had not fallen too far behind. If I fell behind, Susan would wait. Even if we couldn’t go on or became sick, they were fully prepared to meet our needs. It was a beautiful picture to me of our Perfect Shepherd Who whispers His directions in our ears moment by moment and goes before us and protects us from behind.

Our Lord has enclosed us behind and before and folds us safely in His care. Whatever you are facing today, you are cared for. Watched over. Included. Set apart in His love. Folded in His Hesed.

Blessings,
Beth Ann

I Am the Door of the Sheep is from the I AMs of Jesus Collection.
Jesus said, “Truly, truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7)
“I am the door. Whoever enters through me shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)
I Am the Good Shepherd is from the I AMs of Jesus Collection.

Jesus said –
I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
 
I am the Good Shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one Shepherd. (John 10:14-16)
 
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:27-28)
 
The Prophet Isaiah foretold –
Behold, the Lord God will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him.
Behold, His reward is with Him
And His recompense before Him.
Like a shepherd He will 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 40:10-11)
 
The Revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave to the Apostle John by His angel of things that must shortly take place –
Behold He is coming in the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Even so. Amen. (Revelation 1:7)
They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their Shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.
(Revelation 7:16-17)
And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True...
(Revelation 19:11a)

Shale Fragments™ - devotionals by Beth Ann Phifer is a division of Flower Girl Greetings, LLC. ©2020, All Rights Reserved