Robbin and Cory lived on a farm in Green Forest, Arkansas. They took good care of the horses and cows on their farm, because they loved animals. One day, Robbin saw a blind cow for sale on Facebook. Wanting to give that blind cow Molly a good home with the proper care that she needed, she purchased her and brought her home to the farm.
But Robbin soon realized that Molly needed much more care than she was able to give her. She was totally dependent upon humans, and even though she was in her own pasture, she couldn’t find the watering hole or feed bin. Because of this, Molly was injuring herself and would not survive unless she got help! Clearly, Robbin needed to do something!
They put Molly into the pasture with the other cows, hoping the cows would befriend her and teach her where to go for food and water. But no, the other cows were not able or willing to help Molly! This was causing Molly to become even more nervous and anxious. Finally, a friend suggested that Robbin adopt a donkey.
We know that dogs can help blind people to get around, but who would think that a donkey would help blind animals to survive? Yet in many places of the world, donkeys are used to guide and protect other animals, such as sheep. Soon Robbin found a miniature donkey named Violet, which she brought home to the farm. Cory also came up with the great idea of putting a bell around Violet’s neck before releasing her and Molly into a fenced area together.
Thankfully, their idea worked! Violet showed Molly where the feed bins and watering hole were and also led her through the gates. Whenever Molly became anxious or stressed, all she had to do was listen for Violet’s bell and run to her for help and guidance. Molly and Violet soon became inseparable friends.
We were all born blind as to our need of a Savior, and we are helpless in our sins. The Bible tells us, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way” (Isaiah 53:66All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)). Because of our willful sin, Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep” (John 10:1111I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)). Jesus willingly died on the cross to save us. When we realize our great need of a Savior and trust Jesus to forgive our sins, He not only forgives us, but He becomes our Good Shepherd! It is then that He lovingly and faithfully leads and guides us in the way that we should go.
Robbin and Cory saw how well Violet cared for Molly and wondered if she would be able and willing to help another blind animal. Cory’s favorite 18-year-old horse, Raz, had become blind over a period of time due to equine glaucoma. Raz was confused and totally unable to find his way around.
So they put Raz in with Violet and Molly. Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Violet was guiding Raz around the pasture, showing him where the food and water and gates were. The sound of Violet’s bell gave Molly and Raz the confidence they needed to get around by themselves. Now these three animals do everything together and have become the best of friends! It’s quite the picture to see Violet, the miniature donkey, guiding blind Molly, the cow, and blind Raz, the horse!
The dear Lord Jesus will accept all who come to Him. It does not matter how old you are, how many sins you have committed, what race or nationality you are, or what kind of sin you’ve done. When we accept Him as our Good Shepherd, we too can hear His voice. Through His Word, the Bible, He tells us how to live for Him and serve Him. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand” (John 10:27-2827My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:27‑28)).
Do you know the Good Shepherd’s voice? Do you have eternal life that only He can give?
Messages of God’s Love 8/9/2020