A STORY OF SOME SHEEP AND THEIR SHEPHERD

We are His people

and the sheep of His pasture.

Psalm 100:3

Last Christmas, of all unlikely times . . . the very season we celebrate the birth of our Savior . . . the season of  "peace on earth" . . . the season of  "goodwill towards men" . . . a predator arose within the sheep pen. There was no longer peace to be found. This predator had no "goodwill towards men" in its heart. A spirit of religion, had masked its presence within the sheep pen for a long time. It had looked a lot like the other sheep. It had smelled a lot like the other sheep. It had walked among the flock. It even seemed to follow the Shepherd most of the time. But now it stepped to the forefront. Now it raised its head. Now it revealed its intent.  Now the truth of its presence was seen.

Sheep were frightened. Sheep were confused. The spirit of religion wounded many of the sheep . . .some, very badly. Sheep were scattered. Some of the flock was cut off from the fold. A few sheep willfully ran from the danger. Others simply followed the crowd, as sheep so often do.

For awhile, the sheep were lost. Some were angry that the sheep pen they saw as their safety and security had been destroyed. Some bleated continuously. Others laid down to catch their breath and withdrew into their misery. Some became frustrated by wounds that continued to bleed and ache . . . wounds they could not reach to tend. 

Then along came the Shepherd. The sheep rejoiced to hear His voice. They understood, many of them for the first time in their lives, that their safety and security had not been in the sheep pen. It had always been in the Shepherd. He had not left them. 

The Shepherd gathered the sheep together and led them to a new pasture. They were hungry. He let them graze upon the rich green grass of His new pasture until they were well satisfied. They were thirsty. He led them beside still waters where they had no fear to stoop and drink. The Shepherd searched for the few sheep who had wandered off alone and fallen into ravines. He lifted them from the mud and mire with the crook of His staff and brought them to the new pasture so they too might partake of His gracious provision.

The Shepherd tended their wounds. He poured the oil of His Spirit into the deepest hurts to cleanse and restore so that complete and total healing could begin. Some of the sheep were injured too badly to walk on their own. The Shepherd did not leave them to limp along. He lifted them to His shoulders where they could see from His vantage point. He wrapped some of them in His robe and carried them close to His heart. The Shepherd restored their souls and healed all their hurts.

The predator did not give up easily. The religious spirit brought repeated assaults. But the Shepherd raised His mighty rod and taught the sheep to fear no evil because He was with them. His rod and His staff became a source of comfort to the sheep. They knew that they could do whatever He called them to do because He would strengthen them and meet all their needs.

The Shepherd brought peace back into their midst. The sheep were happy as the Shepherd sang songs of joy over them. Some began to wonder if they could just stay in this pasture and feast on the riches of His grace forever. 

But the Shepherd spoke. And the sheep heard His voice. 

Come. 

Follow Me. 

There are many sheep in your world who are lost and need a shepherd. There are sheep who have never known Me. You must introduce them to Me. There are paths of righteousness outside this pasture that you must walk. I will lead you down them. As we travel these paths, we will find the lost and you will help Me bind up their wounds. You will apply the oil of My Spirit to help Me open their eyes. Some of them are blind from the infection of sin. Some sheep are entangled in briers that are holding them captive. They are beautiful sheep and I have a wonderful plan and purpose for their lives. You must help them loose the bondage and find freedom in Me.  

Come, My precious sheep.

Sometimes the paths where I will lead you will have danger on every side. Our path may even pass through the valley of the shadow of death. But do not be afraid. I am with you. I will never take you where My grace cannot keep you. I will never leave you. I will never forsake you. I have saved you and called you my own. I have healed all your infirmities and set you free from the power of the enemy. Now - follow Me down these paths of righteousness for My name's sake. 

The works that I have done for you, you will do for others. I have poured My love into your heart by My Holy Spirit. It's time for you to pour My love upon all who you meet along our path.