Each day the shepherd takes his flock out to roam. He loves them with the love of a father and keeps close watch. When it’s time to return to the pen the shepherd calls his sheep by name. They know his voice and respond immediately.
Except for one.
The littlest lamb in the flock isn’t rebellious by nature, just curious. Sometimes he strays too far and the shepherd has to retrieve him. One day the shepherd calls him repeatedly but he doesn’t respond. The lamb’s simple curiosity is developing into rebellion.
After the shepherd gives the lamb many chances to obey, the time comes to do something drastic. There is no other way to train him.
So, the shepherd breaks the lamb’s leg.
Now that the lamb is unable to walk, the shepherd carries him close to his heart everywhere he goes. During his healing process the lamb grows to know the shepherd better than before. He enjoys the shepherd’s warm embrace. He learns that he is safe with the shepherd.
Enough time passes that the lamb’s desire to stray ceases completely. When he’s released to roam with the other sheep he stays close to them and answers the shepherd’s call immediately.
It seems cruel for the shepherd to break the lamb’s leg to make him obedient, but the shepherd does it for the lamb’s safety. Legs heal. But when a life is lost it’s gone forever.
There are times when God breaks us to keep us from straying, from developing willful rebellion, from creating a rift in our relationship with Him, or from traveling down a dark, destructive road. He knows what’s best and will do whatever it takes to keep us safe.
I wonder how many times I’ve pushed God away, doubted His love, chosen to listen to other voices, distrusted His plan, or strayed from His perfect path. The consequences aren’t worth it. I’ve learned that it’s wise to heed God’s voice immediately in order to spare myself unnecessary grief.
I choose obedience — not out of fear of punishment — but in response to God’s unconditional love, acceptance, and security.
Each day we have choices. What will yours be today?
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11)
As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. (Ezekiel 34:12)
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:14-15)
