Family Lessons 142: Death of a Shepherd

Buried in the ground of All Saints’ Church in the Lincolnshire village of Nettleham lays John Cammack, my 4x great-grandfather. When I called, I had not the time to search every stone, but on 27 January, 1859, his cadaver was lowered into the ground. In life he had been a shepherd, and this is the occupation he gave on the 1851 census.

Sheep know and trust their shepherds, but they die, and the sheep must learn to trust another. Every generation since Grandfather John has also died, their children and charges left to others. The Lord Jesus said in John 10:11:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”

Though He died for His sheep, yet still He cares, guards, guides and feeds them. I should like to have met Grandfather John, to have learned his ways and acquainted myself with his character, but alas, death took him long afore my birth. Thankfully, I have that other Shepherd to hold and protect me; to guard, guide and carry me.

The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.