Thorn
The Shepherd Book III
A Novel by Jeffrey B. Linn
All rights reserved
I am indebted to Biblical Archaeology Review for exposing me to some of the terminology in this chapter.
As you may have discerned, the barren land is a symbol for the "dominion of darkness" mentioned in Colossians 1:13, out of which God saves those who have receive Jesus as their Lord (See also John 1:12 and I John 5:11-12). Satan is described in II Corinthians 4:4 as god over the fallen world for the time being, seeking to blind as many souls as he may to salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Bible also teaches that the land became cursed because of sin (Genesis 3:17), and that some day it will, with those who know Jesus, be re-created (Romans 8:19-21). In the world of The Shepherd, the land is redeemed as an illustration of the advancement of the kingdom of God, as a token of what is occurring in the hearts of the characters, immediately.
Whether or not Satan's illegal hold on a piece of the world can be strengthened by human evil is a matter for study. Certainly he would like us to believe it so. Whatever the root, certain ancient hatreds seem to require a powerful demonstration of the love of Jesus Christ and a conviction of God's sovereignty anointed by the Holy Spirit to be overcome.
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