Luke 12:32-34
[Jesus said:] 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
[Jesus said:] 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
I have developed a passing friendship with a lovely flock of sheep that I pass on my way to and from work every day. These particular sheep live on a pretty, old farm with a creek that runs through their lower pasture and an upper pasture for a change of scenery. They’re happy sheep.
Last Easter morning, as I was driving by, I noticed that two of the lambs had gotten through the fence and were standing beside the road. I pulled into the lane and ran over to save the lambs. It wasn’t as easy as one might think. No amount of gentle talking, submissive posture, or singing could convince those sheep that I was their friend. The lambs ran (toward the barn, which was a good thing). The rest of the flock bunched up against the fence and shouted at me. Go awaaaaaaay. You’re baaaaaaaad!
This story was a long illustration of the fact that sheep are easily frightened and have very little common sense. They need a firm but gentle shepherd who loves them and calls them by name. We do too. That’s why Jesus, Our Good Shepherd, calms and sooths us when we’re frightened and leads us back home when we get outside the fence.
Prayer: Lord Jesus: Thank you for coming after me when I run away, and comforting me when I’m scared. AMEN