Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

I run in the path of your commands

Monday, April 26, 1999

John 10:15-16
Jesus speaks: "I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."

Until I became a "humbled" Christian in my late 20's, I didn't want to be shepherded. The idea that we all were of a kind, that we all could follow the same person, made me want to run away and retain my independence. That seemed to be the most important thing.

On the other hand, there have been times when I wonder whether God would have me, whether he would even be willing to allow me into his fold. And I talk with people all the time who ask that question. Their sin is more real to them than their savior. They don't believe there is a shepherd that cares enough just for them to come and find them in their hiding place.

The guys we see in prison know the path between these two positions. Last night one man named Wallace, soon to be released, asked hesitantly to get off this awful path. His group prayed for him, he cried and cried, he stepped out of the wilderness into the shepherd's arms. It was amazing to him, as it is to me, that Jesus was right there when he asked for him.

Something broke open in Wallace, and his standoffish manner faded. He hugged several of us and prayed aloud for some of his inmate brothers for the first time. It will be tempting for him to return to the old path with which he is so familiar, winding back and forth between rebellion and remorse. The wilderness will continue to call him. But his ears are more attuned now to the sweet sound of the shepherd's voice, and he has tasted something finer than anything he found on his own.

Lord, let me wait for the freedom you want to give me. You know me better than I know myself. Thank you.

Devotions Archive

I run in the path of your commands

Monday, April 26, 1999