“The Good Shepherd” by Sallie Reid
This mural is hanging over the baptistery in Midway, Texas, Church of Christ. It was a journey of inspiration. I was commissioned to do this work. I listened to the desires of the people and I visited the church, to get a feel of what the Lord would have me to paint. They were so gracious in their trust in me and the Lord. As I was leaving, I noticed a tapestry picturing sheep that was hanging in the front foyer. The Lord reminded me of a dream I had of sheep before a russet-colored bluff. I had sketched this dream out at midnight about eight months prior. I knew this would be the inspiration for the mural. Painting the light first was the impression I had. I have learned to trust the nudging in my heart. I believe those nudgings are from the voice of the Lord.
“When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of
them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice”
John 10:4
.
As I painted, I began to research the landscape of Israel on the Internet. I came across a picture that was exactly like the dream. I had confirmation.
Laying out the colors, the composition came instantly. It was as if there was an intui-tive nature that took over in the process of working out the painting. I absolutely loved the browns and blues together. The colors of russet and brown infused with the vibrant blues danced in my eyes. Colors have spiritual significance. In this painting, I believe blue is a color of revelation; brown is a color of humanity, harvest, and sowing; and green is the color for new beginnings and restoration. Lavender is for transparency and intercession. Purple is for Kingship, royalty, and inheritance; and yellow is the courtship with God -- a pursuit with intention.
I always feel there is a message or a story in every painting. The message here is of the good shepherd, our sweet Jesus as He leads us along the still waters of revelation. His sheep know His voice and follow Him over all kinds of terrain, leading to new places, even through the troubled waters. I know that sheep do not necessarily move in or drink from moving water. However, I felt the message from the Lord was that when we move in uncomfortable places, we will be able to cross over to the other side, just as the sheep are doing in the painting. I feel there is a transcending of peace passing from the heavens through the mountains into the valley. There is a courtship with God that leads us to a transparent relationship, taking us to our inheritance of eternity. Our Father desires for us to walk in intimate fellowship with Him at every crook and turn of life. His covering of love is always there if we will only walk under it with Him. Peace is always ours for the asking. His love in us over-flows and spills into the lives of those around us, sowing seeds of harvest for the Kingdom! May His love and His peace be yours as you engage the Father
