In the settling of the west, the Trail Boss was responsible for getting the pioneers/settlers to their destination as safely as possible. A good one knew the lay of the land, where there was water-pools, running and sometimes overflowing streams-Indians, other towns/settlements and how to deal with issues that arose.
Sunday, I used the idea of the western Trail Boss to describe what God does for us by using the first three verses of Psalm 23 (this coming Sunday is the last three). I’d like to suggest a book I used during my study: A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller. Keller was a rancher/shepherd and his work was invaluable to me in my study.
The Trail Boss Provides Rest- “he makes me lie down in green pastures”. Sheep have four requirements before they will lay down. Free of fear. Free of friction within the flock. Free of pests. Free of food (none in keeping with the “f” alliteration). 🙂
It was the shepherd’s responsibility to make this happen for his sheep. Keller talks about the danger of predators to sheep and how his ewes would drop their lambs due to dogs or other predators. He wrote about 9 of his ewes dying from fear of a cougar.
Jesus once said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
So ends the first lesson.
Aren’t you grateful that we’re not sent out into the wilds on our own!
Thank God He leads us, protects us, has our best interests in mind …
Yes I am Linda. It would be a disaster!
Wow,nice comparison. Wouldn’t have thought of that one myself.
Thanks Larry.
It’s a good thing. Sometimes I so very much need that rest.
join the club. I’m finding that I need it even when i don’t think I do.
Oh, that’s yet another good point!
I love this image of God as our Trail Boss, Bill. And this book sounds like another fun read. Glad you were inspired by it.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. Glad that image “rings true” for you. I have had this book for years. Literally. First time I have really paid any attention to it. 🙂
Good analogy. Just like the shepherd, the trail boss leads from up front keeping an eye out all around. The real peace comes from our Father. Good one, Bill. Or “Big Bill… or Billy the Kid… you know, keeping in the western theme…
Thanks Floyd. I could go with with “Big Bad Bill” but Billy the Kid would probably be more accurate. 🙂
From a friend (Pearline Howald)Wow. This explanation makes it somehow seem more meaningful Thanks ��
Thanks. Glad of that.
Psalm 23 is one of my very favorite psalms (and obviously I’m not alone in this!). So I like hearing any additional facts and imagery to add to my understanding of it. Thanks for sharing about the Trail Boss. That phrase was new to me.
Glad I could add to your “love” of this psalm Lisa.
You all seem happy with a trail boss. If you are happy then I am happy for you. As for me, I don’t want a trail boss messing up my adventure. I am a lot happier without a trail boss. I hope you are as happy for me as I am for you.