Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Shepherd's tale Tuesday, December 9, 2008 Matthew 18:12-14 Jesus said, "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost." Lazy river in my mind. Night wind cool and sweet brushing my face, I love to sit by the fire and count sheep while I fall asleep. This has been such a fine day. Now I can rest and think my thoughts. Supper is almost ready. This life with the flock has no match. Nothing I have ever done brings me such peace and satisfaction. Each of these lambs I've grown to know by touch, and by their voices, and in the way they breathe at night. They are not just my friends, they are like my children, and I love them. Some of my kids have been killed. A lion crept up one night and killed, before I killed him. Two fell off a cliff, following each other dumbly into death. I sobbed out my sadness for days. My lambs are often lost. They get caught in a crevasse or tempted into a dark wood, and don't know where they've left the path. This meadow where they eat is lush and green, and I am always surprised when they wander away. There is nothing better or greener or sweeter anywhere. I know they don't know what I know. Or at least don't admit they do. They are so easily led astray. So I spend my days guiding them back into the grass that gives them life. I love this work. I call to them, sing to them, and love them. Over the years the older ones begin to hear me clearly, and then they help rein in the babies. But there seems to be a rhythm to their growth, and years must pass before the elder-wisdom takes hold in the kids. I will never leave these lambs. They are who I live for. One by one by one. You made me, Lord. Show my mind and body how to follow you. "; Add      Edit    Delete