Study this picture and let it wash over you. Notice the sheep. He’s dirty, looks sad and beaten down. Definitely lost. How long has he been traveling with no companion? Did he forget the way home? Is he hungry? Afraid? Is he about to lay down and give up? What thoughts rush in?
Look in the backdrop. Just over his shoulder. His rescue is on the way. “The Good Shepherd” sees him and has come to scoop him up. Will He place the sheep on His shoulders? Will He embrace him in his dirtiness? Will He then take him home and wash him white? Will He assure him, feed him and rejoice over him? Yes, He will.
Yes. It’s Jesus. Yes, this is us.
This picture is worth a 1,000 words. I can’t begin to say them all, yet, I think if you sit long enough, the Lord might speak what you need.
The Good Shepherd keeps watch. He doesn’t want one sheep lost. There’s only “one” you and you are the “one” He loves. (Matthew 8:12-13)
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of my own accord.
I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.” (John 10:11,18)
I laid it down in pure love, so that, I can pick you up day after day and raise you up on the last day.
Take heart. Jesus is for us and with us, day after day, forever and ever. Don’t ever lay down and give up. Amen & Alleluia.