the lost sheep: a parable retold

ocean fog creeping over the Buelton hills, 75-300mm

She had been gone for several days. Yes, she had strayed. And there was talk, of course.

"It's her own fault for getting lost," somebody mumbled.

"She made bad choices," another pointed out.

"What does she expect?" asked a third. "You reap what you sow."

But the Shepherd had other words.

"She's mine," He said. "I will go and find her."

"But Master," protested a well-meaning ewe, "we need You here! Does one rebellious sheep matter more to you than ninety-nine obedient ones?"

The Shepherd shook His head, sadly. "No. She doesn't matter more. But she doesn't matter less, either."

But the old ewe wasn't done. "Master," she bleated, "shouldn't she suffer the consequences for her bad choices?"

The Shepherd turned and gazed intently at the old ewe. "Which consequences would you have her suffer?" He asked.

The old ewe shrugged, "Well, she needs to learn the price of disobedience. How else will she learn?"

"Would you have her die bloodied and broken at the bottom of a cliff?" the Shepherd asked. "Would that teach her a good lesson?"

The old ewe looked away, saying nothing.

"I'm not willing for that happen," said the Shepherd. "I love her too much to abandon her."

The Shepherd started on His way. But another sheep scampered after Him and in a low voice asked, "Master, isn't this sheep an embarrassment to you? Doesn't she reflect poorly on Your Shepherding skills? Are you sure you want her back?"

"You don't understand," the Shepherd said, "I would give my life for her. I promised never to leave or forsake her. I will pursue her because I love her."

"B-but," stammered the sheep, "she's not worthy of Your love!"

The Shepherd stopped walking and patted the worried head of his little sheep.

"Don't worry, precious one," He said. "Nothing can separate you from my love. Not height, nor depth. Not your accomplishments. Not even my lost sheep's failures."

Then the Shepherd wrapped his cloak around Himself and hurried into the hills.

He called for his lost sheep many times. For many hours there was no answer. It was cold and began raining. Still, the Shepherd searched.

Finally, in the darkest hour before dawn, He found his lost sheep. She was trapped on a steep cliff, clinging desperately to a crumbling ledge.

The Shepherd climbed toward her, calling her name and reassuring her. Using his Shepherd's hook, He pulled her to safety.

And then He took her in his arms. He didn't scold or punish her. He simply carried her all the way home.

As the morning sunshine poured across the green pasture, the Shepherd arrived home to His flock.

"Come celebrate with me!" He called to His friends and neighbors. "I have found my sheep that was lost!"

That day, even the angels in Heaven rejoiced.

For once she was lost. But now she was found.

: : inspired by today's reading @ Pray As You Go : :

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Comments

[velinka marton]

Thank you for that.

Just this morning I was reading an excerpt of a book I'm looking forward to getting to - Timothy Keller's The Prodigal God. My understanding of the book is that he takes a look at the parable of the prodigal son and unpacks it. The part I read, though, came to mind as I read through your post this morning.

It read: "Everbody knows that the Christian gospel calls us away from the licentiousness of younger brotherness, but few realize that it also condemns moralistic elder brotherness. "

Thank you for that reminder through the retelling of that comforting parable.

Unfortunately, I can relate to that judgmental attitude... if not always verbalized, certainly in my heart and mind.

[Lou Ann]

Thank you. I have a friend in particular who could use these words of encouragement, and right from scripture to renew her hope in His love for her daughter.

[Kansas Bob]

Simply beautiful!

[hillary@dark :: light]

OH I LOVE THIS!!!!
You have no idea how much this ministers to me, Elizabeth. Thank you thank you!!!

[Sarah Reinhard]

It's amazing to me that you could write about me with such accuracy when you don't even know me. :)

(Kidding.)

But seriously, thank you. For some reason, and though I almost live with real sheep, I seem to need reminded of this particular message, oh, all the time.

[Amanda]

I just discovered your blog from a link on another blog (can't remember where)...I love this!
You're added to my reader now :)

[Katie]

beautiful. i love it. it's so true.

[Kimberly]

Beautiful. So thankful He comes for me, every time!

[Heather of the EO]

Beautifully written, lady. Love it.

[Allie]

MUCH rejoicing!

[SaraJ]

I had a hard time believing that the Shepherd really was like this. At first, I simply didn't think He was. And then, I didn't want to believe it in case it wasn't true.

I think you also could have had a sheep remind the Shepherd that he *couldn't* go after that sheep because she got out from under His authority. Instead, He had to leave her to the wolves, because that's what happens to rebellious sheep.

This post says a lot about where I came from -- and, happily, where I've come to.

-- SJ

[Maureen]

This is a beautiful illustration....glad I found ur blog :)