Since I just did a lesson about becoming like a sheep, I had the facts I have learned about sheep and shepherds rolling in my mind while preparing to teach.
For those who don't know about things that shepherds do, here are some facts. They use their staff for different things. The curved end is to hook the sheep's neck and pull him back and the straight end is used to help the shepherd clear a path when necessary and to lean upon as he leads. If the shepherd has a stubborn sheep that will not stay with the flock, the shepherd breaks the leg of the sheep or lamb and then carries the sheep on his shoulders until the leg is healed. This serves two purposes...they no longer go astray and they become totally reliant on the shepherd.
The depiction of Jesus as a shepherd is probably my favorite of him. When you know all the things about the sheep -shepherd relationship it makes for a beautiful picture of the Lord's care.
This is not a lesson on all those things but I'm sure their will be a full post about that later. This is about how as Christians we stray from walking close to the Lord. We can become stubborn and do things in our own way and we can stop obeying the tugging from the Holy Spirit. When we do this enough, God in a sense breaks our leg to bring us back to relying on and obeying Him. He may literally break a bone, but more often he will chastise in another way. He will do something to get your attention that will bring you back to your prayer knees, your seeking of His will, and Bible reading. He is the Good Shepherd! That is His job! If you don't want your leg broke, stay near the shepherd and where He wants you!
Just a quick devo to make you think about your walk.
1 comment:
What a beautiful thought. The shepherd breaks the legs of the sheep and carries it till it's healed. Wow, that made my day. Thank you Tammy! BTW, I'm working on your blog template.
Post a Comment