Slings & Stones – Part 2
The missionary went on to say:
“But is that not rather cruel discipline for one wayward sheep? That last stone went so close that it almost struck it! Yes, almost, but not quite! And it brought the sheep right back to the place where the shepherd wanted it.”
Sometimes The Good Shepherd disciplines and deals with us in a way that may seem harsh and rough. But it is because, like the foolish sheep, we go our own way. Then, He proves His “everlasting love” by allowing circumstances that, like the slings and stones, cause us to return to the very place where our caring Shepherd wants us to be.
One thing is for sure, the Shepherd wants us by His side, and enjoying the cool waters and green pastures of spiritual refreshment and sustenance that He has for us. These things can only be enjoyed as we are near to Him. Remember too, that the nearer we are to the Shepherd, the safer we are from the enemy. “He shall feed His flock like a Shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:11).
