Imagery of Jesus as the Good Shepherd permeates the Bible. One of the pictures we often see is of Jesus carrying a lamb on His shoulders.
Recently I was reading about the “Bummer Lambs”. Bummer lambs are rejected by their mothers for various reasons and raised by the shepherd in his home. He feeds them, keeps the warm and even lifts them to his chest so they hear his heartbeat. These lambs become so familiar with the voice of the shepherd and know his care that they can distinguish his voice and come to him as soon as he calls. Bummer lambs show by their response to the shepherd that they trust him.
The thought of Bummer lambs reminds me that when we feel rejected and alone, we have a place to go. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, says in the Bible that when we trust in Him He will never leave us or forsake us. It’s true, we can’t see Him, but we can know His presence, guidance and care through reading the Bible, prayer and the care of others. We don’t ever have to journey alone for He is with us always.
Psalm 23:1-4
The Lord is My Shepherd I shall not want. He make me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.
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