09/01/2026
WITHOUT A SHEPHERD
While working on my painting of the shepherd defending his flock, I decided to paint a second version.
The exact same scene—only I removed the shepherd.
The difference was striking.
There is still light in the picture. That matters.
The sheep have not been left without the grace of God, for “the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” — Titus 2:11
The sheep are still there.
The light is still there.
But so is the wolf.
And now there is no God-called shepherd standing between the flock and what would devour them.
Jesus looked upon the multitudes and saw this very condition:
“They fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”
— Matthew 9:36
God’s light does not eliminate the need for a shepherd. Grace does not make spiritual leadership unnecessary. And the presence of light does not mean there are no wolves.
Paul asked, “And how shall they hear without a preacher?” — Romans 10:14.
And Paul warned those entrusted with the flock:
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock… For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”
— Acts 20:28–29
That is what this painting became about.
Remove the shepherd, and everything else can remain—the sheep, the light, even the grace of God—but something vital is gone. There is no one standing between the sheep and the wolf.
There is enough light to see the sheep.
There is enough light to see the wolf.
But there is no shepherd between them.
EVERY FLOCK NEEDS A SHEPHERD.
