Stubborn Sheep And Our Faithful Shepherd

Stubborn Sheep And Our Faithful Shepherd

Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25

When our children were young, we had a menagerie of animals: two dogs, six cats, three horses, twenty-six goats, and two sheep. The goats frequently wandered off, but they were smart and usually came home when they knew we had food or treats.

The sheep were less prone to wander than the goats, but they were dumb animals. When they got lost in the fields, they didn’t care what we were offering; they weren’t interested. They didn’t listen when we called, and they wouldn’t come home on their own. One of the kids would have to go lead the stray sheep back home.

The sheep were often so much work that the kids would give up on them and prefer to play with the more obedient goats. I understood that feeling. I also found myself wishing we had not gotten all those animals.

So often in the Bible we’re compared to sheep, which I now know isn’t a flattering comparison. However, I’m glad that God is our Shepherd and that he continues to gently guide and protect us even when we wander. He is so determined to bring us back home that he was even willing to sacrifice his Son for our stupidity and sin.

Are there places in your life where you’re wandering from the Good Shepherd? Do you ever act like a sheep lost in the field, far away from the safety, security, and nourishment of the barn? I know I have.

When God starts to nudge us back home, it’s important for us to realize that his staff and rod are there to catch us and protect us, not to punish us for our disobedience. Like my kids trying to lead the sheep home, God is trying to lead his kids home. Fortunately, God doesn’t give up as easily as my kids did!

TODAY’S RX

As sheep, we are prone to wander. That’s why we must always listen for our Shepherd’s voice.

Thank you for gently leading me in the direction you desire for me, Lord. As I wander away, you step in and guide me back to the fold. I will praise you all the days of my life for your faithful pursuit of me.