English was my most difficult subject throughout my school years. It was the subject that had the potential to ruin a straight-A quarter with an B+ or B (gasp!). Despite my trouble with reading comprehension and disinterest in analyzing literature, I generally enjoyed English class. I can remember learning about similes and metaphors in elementary school. It was a pivotal lesson in my life. More and more, I find myself describing everything in metaphorical terms to give myself a better understanding.
While a parable is not a metaphor, it is similar. So, it's no surprise that I love parables. I am very much like Jesus' disciples because I don't always understand the parables until they are explained to me. Even the ones that I think I understand usually have so much deeper meanings than what I ascribe to them. My favorite is "The Parable of the Lost Sheep." (Luke 15:3-7)
Sheep are not the smartest animals. When they wander away from the flock, they usually cannot find their way back. They drown easily. They will always follow the leader, even off of a cliff. They can't get off their backs and will die if no one helps them. They are vision-impaired. Though this may seem strange, I find comfort in being likened to a dumb sheep. It reminds me of my reliance on God because I cannot do anything right. Without my Shepherd, I am defenseless and lost. I wander away from what I know and lose my way. I sink in stormy waters. I find myself on my back and need someone to save me.
I find comfort in this because we have a Savior who comes looking for us when we wander away from Him and rejoices when He finds us. Jesus doesn't let us drown. No matter how many times we end up on our backs, He comes and sets us on our feet every time. He is the leader that will ALWAYS lead us to safety and away from life's cliffs. He protects us from predators. Without Him, we are left to our own devices which always lead us to spiritual death.But Jesus is the Good Shepherd, Who lays down His life for us, His sheep. (John 10:11) He did this so that we may have Life.
So, when I find that I have wandered away from the flock and I can't find my way back alone, I know that my Shepherd will come find me, put me on his shoulders, and take me home where I belong.
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2 comments:
Makes me think of those sheep in Veggie Tales. You know, the ones who randomly tip over? And we laugh at them but, as you pointed out, that's us! Thanks for reminding my wandering heart of the Shepherd's patient and relentless love. Love you, miss you!
i didn't know sheep were so...troubled. lol. thanks for letting me know that.
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