The Heart of a Shepherd (I)

"When you see the picture of the shepherd carrying his little lamb on his shoulders have you ever wondered why he is carrying it rather than walking along side it? The answer is very interesting. The sheep on the shoulders of his master is a wayward sheep. This is a sheep that not only wonders from the flock into dangerous territories; but, it wonders habitually. In Psalm 23, King David wrote analogously about the comfort the rod and staff brought him while walking through the valley of the shadow of death. The shepherd’s staff was hooked at the end to bring wondering sheep back into the fold. The rod was used as an incentive for those wondering sheep who were a bit more given to straying. In either case, peace and comfort was brought forth through the enforcement of boundaries set by the one in authority. This resulted in a sense of security for the wandering sheep.

However, there are some cases when the rod and staff are not enough incentive for a particularly strong-willed sheep--a sheep who continually chooses to leave the safety and security of the flock; and, who continually travels into areas where he can be destroyed by wolves or other ravenous beasts. It is at this time that the good shepherd realizes that he must exercise extraordinary measures to secure the safety of this one little sheep. So, out of his deepest measure of love, and for the ultimate well being of his precious little sheep, the good shepherd breaks the sheep’s leg so that it can not wonder into those dangerous territories.

This forces the sheep to abide in the vicinity of the good shepherd. He learns to hear and heed his master’s voice. He begins developing a relationship with his master--a relationship not likely developed in light of his former rebellious behaviors. He begins to obey his master, not because he fears him; but, because he has developed a loving relationship with him. He has realized, through this relationship, that when the master speaks he speaks love, wisdom, goodness, peace, safety, and security."

Taken from Shepherd Hill's Farm (http://www.shepherdshillfarm.org/shepherd.html)