I used to be a wayward little lamb. I liked to go my own way and do my own thing. Following the shepherd and the rest of the flock was too slow and too boring. What did I need them for, anyway? I was doing fine on my own! And I wanted excitement!
That’s what I used to think and it would get me into lots of trouble. More than once the shepherd would have to come and bail me out of whatever jam I happened to be in at the time, but I thought I had it made.
Until one day when I went chasing after a butterfly. It was so pretty and it looked like it was having a lot of fun, and I thought I might as well join it. Well, it led me straight into the blackberry patch, and before I knew it I was stuck! I couldn’t get out no matter how I wriggled and squirmed. And the more I fought the “stucker” I got! So I started crying, hoping the shepherd would hear me and come and get me out the way he always did.
I didn’t have to wait long. Here he came and soon I was free again. The shepherd picked the thorns out of my wool, stroked my head, and then, just when I thought I’d just run along again, he took hold of my leg and he just simply broke it!
Oh, how it hurt! I bawled and cried, and I couldn’t understand why he would do such a thing! I thought he must be really angry and I got really scared because I must have just gone too far this time. But I heard him speak softly to me with gentle words, and I turned to look into his face just in time to see a tear roll down his cheek.
He put a splint on my leg and wrapped it tightly so it would heal properly. Then he put me on his shoulder and Wow, What a view! The other lambs looked at me wondering what I was doing up there. Some of the big sheep saw me and shook their heads and walked away. Others smiled and nodded. They all knew what a rebel I was and they seemed to know what this was all about. Maybe they had been through the same thing in their younger years?
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I’ve been up here on His shoulders now for quite some time, and my perspective has changed so much. My leg feels better, and maybe it won’t be too much longer until I’ll be able to walk again. But, you know, I’ll probably miss being up here, it is such a special place.
I’ve gotten to know the Shepherd and I’ve learned some of His ways and why He does some of the things He does. I know He really cares about me and wants only my best.
And now I know He really is my Shepherd, and I have everything I need.
When I get hungry He puts me down in the green grass and lets me eat until I’m full.
Then I can stretch out and take a little nap if I want to.
When I get thirsty He takes me to a stream where I can drink the fresh water. And He always makes sure to dam up the stream so the rushing water won’t scare me. It makes it so peaceful and soothing.
He not only is mending my broken leg, but He is also restoring my restless soul.
While I’m on His shoulders He is teaching me to live in such a way that when I get on my feet again, I will know how to please Him and I will know what I can do to honor Him.
I have learned that even when I have to walk through the dark, scary places, where the wolf could easily kill me, I don’t have to be afraid. You are always with me, aren’t You, Good Shepherd?
It’s so comforting to know that You have Your rod to protect me from evil. And Your staff is there to guide me along the dark path so I won’t fall into the briars, and to bring me back if I stray too far.
With the nourishing green grass, the clean refreshing water, Your guidance and protection, it’s like you have set up a banquet for me out here, Lord. The enemy is looking on but he can’t touch me. You have blessed me with these abundant riches and I feel so satisfied!
And now I know that Your goodness and Your unchanging love will be right here with me every day.
And some day I am going back to Your house to live with You there forever!
Thank You for being my Shepherd!
