In these moments, the Shepherd does not call from afar. He draws near. His step is steady.
His presence is sure.
In the painting before you, He leads along the narrow way, not hurrying the wounded traveler, but walking with her. She clings to His Word, holding it close, because it is light enough for the next step and promise enough for the journey. The treasures of darkness are not gold or ease, but the sacred discovery that even here, especially here, we are not alone.
The Shepherd walks with us.
And His nearness is the greatest treasure we will ever find.