Review: The Red-Haired Master Shepherd

Review: Novel The Red-Haired Master Shepherd

"A slight wisp of dust alerted Rufus of movement off in the distance. Most shepherds wouldn't have noticed. However, Rufus had trained himself to be alert to the slightest shifts and variances on the desert floor. Missing the smallest detail could spell disaster for the flock."


The above comes from The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, my latest novel. The novel takes a little known character from the Bible and weaves an intriguing story from it.

Rufus, the main character from the novel, can be found in Jerusalem on Friday, 30 AD. Jesus carries his cross up Golgotha Hill. As he struggles up the hill, he stumbles and falls under the load. A Roman Soldier forces a nearby observer to carry the cross. "They pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (The father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross" (Mark 15:21).

Rufus once again is mentioned in the Bible by Paul in Romans, "Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine" (16:13).

From these two relative insignificant mentions of the man, Rufus, the author has woven an interesting story about how Rufus meets Jesus and then becomes a disciple of his during perilous times for one to be called a Christian. His chance meeting changed his life forever.

Not too unusual, since meeting Jesus should be a life-changing experience for each of us. However, for Rufus, it not only changed his life, it changed his occupation. He was a master shepherd of sheep before he meets Jesus. Afterwards, he becomes a master shepherd of people.

Later in the book, Rufus falls in love with a Roman girl, Priscilla. Of course, Jews are never to intermarry with another race. Rufus is torn. He loves Priscilla very much. He has to decide between his ministry and his life love.

I highly recommend The Red-Haired Master Shepherd. The book contains glimpses of truth, history and personal beliefs and idiosyncrasies. I believe you will fall in love with the character as surely as Priscilla did.

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.