Most children love little lambs, and sheep are known to be harmless and rather helpless. They need constant watching, especially if there are dangers around. Recently there was a story in a Turkish newspaper about the foolishness of a flock of sheep when left alone even for a little while.
Some shepherds had left the flock to graze for a short time while they had breakfast, no doubt feeling sure the flock was safe. What a sight met their eyes when they returned. They saw one sheep leap off the cliff, followed by another, and another, and then the entire flock followed, leaping blindly over the edge. In the end, a white pile of dead sheep lay at the bottom of the cliff. Those that jumped later were saved, because as the pile of dead sheep got higher, their fall was cushioned.
The shepherds could only mourn the loss, saying there was nothing they could do to stop them. Sheep just follow each other, and the helpless shepherds learned the hard way that they should never leave the flock alone.
When the Lord Jesus was on earth, He looked at the crowds following Him and likened them to sheep not having a shepherd. He also called Himself the Good Shepherd who not only stays with the sheep but gave His life and died on the cross that all who trust in Him might have their sins forgiven. He wants to be a shepherd to you and me. He knows the dangers that lurk along the way and what is ahead. If we put our trust in Him and look to Him to guide us, He will not be like those shepherds who left the flock to themselves. He has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:55Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)). How good to have a shepherd like that. Is Jesus YOUR shepherd?
ML-09/24/2006