The Fold of God

By Larry D. Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.blogspot.com

The Shepherd’s Fold is a common theme throughout the bible and Middle-Eastern literature.  It is the name given to the sheep in the Shepherd’s care.  He tends to the sheep; sees that they have pasture, looks after the new lambs of the fold and whatever else is needed for their welfare.

I once saw an experiment with a fold of about 50 sheep in a pasture.  Some local students came out to his farm to learn about sheep.  The Shepherd told the students the word or words used to call the sheep.  He practiced with the students so that they could say the words correctly, with the right tone and inflection.  Then, each student, in turn, went to the large fence enclosure and, using their new-found “sheep language,” call to the sheep out in the large field.  Much to their surprise not one of the 50 or so sheep came, or even looked up from their grazing.  Student after student tried and tried in vain, but failed to even get the sheep’s attention.

Then, the Shepherd came forward and called to the sheep using the same words.  Suddenly, several of the sheep looked up toward the new and different and familiar voice. He called again and at first five or six started toward him and then the whole fold came quickly.  If you would like to see a demonstration of this, go to the following site on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=e45dVgWgV64

Like sheep, we too respond to our master’s voice.  Some would like to think that they follow no master but themselves. Others follow a voice or voices that are hollow, subtle and deceiving being lulled into what is called carnal security. (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 28:21) These voices speak to the worldly, undisciplined parts of our being. They speak things we want to hear – easy and inviting – and we become mesmerized by their titillating sounds.

However, deep within all of us is a distinctly different and familiar voice that speaks to our soul.  The voice of the Holy Spirit speaks not loudly, but with warmth, soft and small. I’m not sure why, however.  Perhaps it is because to hear Him we too must slow down, be “softer,” and “smaller” and more humble than our egos that we project out into the world. 

We, as Christians, are born into the fold of man.  This fold has many masters and shepherds.  With so many voices in the world calling after us, it is no wonder that we are “tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.” (Ephesians 4:11-14)   However, for many who listen carefully, there is a persistent voice, warm and firmly persuasive, even familiar who calls us to “come home to a familiar place, family, and fold - and we are reborn into the Fold of God.  

It is the voice of the Good Shepherd, our wise and Oldest Brother to whom we listened in the world before this world.  His voice became a familiar, hopeful, inspiring, and instructive voice who taught us in the way of truth and light under the direction of His Father, and Our Father - for there we were family and in the Fold of God.

This week’s meditative verse, introduces us to one who has seen the light and heard the voice of the Good Shepherd calling.  We find this person standing by a pool of water awaiting the immersion of redemption known as baptism.  As we listen to the baptismal candidate’s thoughts, we too are carried back to sacramental moments of reflection of our own conversion into the Fold of God.

The Fold of God

And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;  Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life.  

Book of Mormon    Mosiah 18:8-11

By the Waters of Mormon I stand by a fountain pure

Seeking forgiveness, and the immersion of redemption

To walk in a newness of life with promises to procure

God’s ordinances for me - and all - with no exemption

I desire to come forth and enter into God’s fold

And be called one of the Children of the Lord

 To care for others and their burdens hold

Worshiping and singing praise with one accord

My heart, mind and soul unites

As in Mormon’s Waters I am baptized

The Power of God in my soul ignites

A flame burning, cherished and prized

Love, truth and light brightly burns

In God’s Fold of the saved and reborn

To the service of others my heart turns

As I mourn with those that mourn

I’ll witness of God at all times and places

Even until death, that I may be esteemed

Worthy to be counted among those He embraces

At Heaven’s Veil - sanctified, and redeemed

Larry Doyle Crenshaw