It is doubtless that you have seen/read the ubiquitous picture and accompanying poem at one time in your Christian life. Knowing that I am not going to bash it here as unbiblical, but to show how much more profound the biblical idea is.

Our Consistory (pastors and elders) are currently reading through Meredith G. Kline's, "Images of the Spirit," which is one of his more profound, thought-provoking books. As I began reading chapter one this week I thought of the "footprints" picture when I read this:

"When most distinctly perceived, the divine figure enthroned in the Glory is seen as anthropomorphous. The Glory as such is also anthropomorphically denoted as the divine face and arm, or hand, or as parts thereof - eyes and finger. By these terms the Glory is identified as the personal presence of God and as the power of God stretched forth to act in the exercise of his sovereignty. Also, the dual columnar formation assumed by the Glory-cloud as pillar of cloud and pillar of fire is conceptualized in the Bible as the feet of God standing as divine witness." (pp. 18-9)

How awe-some is that! Our forefathers saw the LORD walking before them and after them to lead and protect. This brings new meaning to one of my favorite Psalms, Psalm 77, which says in verses 19-20:

"Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron."

The divine Warrior is the divine Shepherd.