In John 10:14-15, we read: “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”
Janie slipped down the back steps, made her way to the lot. "If I’m quiet maybe old Bessie won’t hear me.” Easing the gate shut, she switched the basket to her other hand. Feeding the chickens and collecting the eggs should take no time.
"So far, so good.” She bent down to go in the henhouse and that’s when she heard hoof-beats--getting louder.
Wham! Janie fumed as she lay sprawled on the ground, barnyard stuff clinging to her clothes. Old Bessie won again.
"I thought sheep were special.” She yelled at Bessie. The old sheep had the audacity to appear pleased.
Chuckling brought a flush to her face. Grandfather leaned on the gate, his arms crossed. “Never underestimate the power of an old sheep, Janie. You don't depend on the sheep, but on the shepherd.
“In the flock you have every kind of sheep imaginable--soft cuddly ones but also tough ones. Some are old and crippled and some just downright ornery.”
“Like old Bessie?” He walked over, offered Janie his hand.
“Yes. The flock of our Lord Jesus is the same.” She squinted at him. “Every type of personality. When I came to know Him, I thought all of His believers would be the same--likeminded and easy to love.
“Found out that’s not always the case. The Lord teaches us through the lives and efforts of each other. No need for all to be the same. Sometimes we’re not nice or fun to be around. But we are His flock.”
“Do I have to love old Bessie?” Grandfather chuckled, Janie giggled.
Kingdom Thinking. The one thing the flock has in common--sheep with a shepherd. Once we are brought into the fold, we belong to the Lord Jesus. He is the Good Shepherd. He loves us and promises never to forsakes us. He is with us when the flock is threatened, be it the Covid 19 virus or an unforgiving spirit. Won’t you come to Him? He loves you.
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| Old Bessie |
"So far, so good.” She bent down to go in the henhouse and that’s when she heard hoof-beats--getting louder.
Wham! Janie fumed as she lay sprawled on the ground, barnyard stuff clinging to her clothes. Old Bessie won again.
"I thought sheep were special.” She yelled at Bessie. The old sheep had the audacity to appear pleased.
Chuckling brought a flush to her face. Grandfather leaned on the gate, his arms crossed. “Never underestimate the power of an old sheep, Janie. You don't depend on the sheep, but on the shepherd.
“In the flock you have every kind of sheep imaginable--soft cuddly ones but also tough ones. Some are old and crippled and some just downright ornery.”
“Like old Bessie?” He walked over, offered Janie his hand.
“Yes. The flock of our Lord Jesus is the same.” She squinted at him. “Every type of personality. When I came to know Him, I thought all of His believers would be the same--likeminded and easy to love.
“Found out that’s not always the case. The Lord teaches us through the lives and efforts of each other. No need for all to be the same. Sometimes we’re not nice or fun to be around. But we are His flock.”
“Do I have to love old Bessie?” Grandfather chuckled, Janie giggled.
Kingdom Thinking. The one thing the flock has in common--sheep with a shepherd. Once we are brought into the fold, we belong to the Lord Jesus. He is the Good Shepherd. He loves us and promises never to forsakes us. He is with us when the flock is threatened, be it the Covid 19 virus or an unforgiving spirit. Won’t you come to Him? He loves you.