I was away all day yesterday observing at Reformed Episcopal Seminary in PA. One of the 4- hour classes was "The Gospels". The class assignment had been for the students to read and observe the passage of the Lost Sheep in both Matthew and Luke and to read commentaries on both and give a report. The one interesting observation that came up was how the same account went out to both sinners (tax collectors and sinner) and believers (disciples).
- Luke 15:3-7
3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
- Matthew 18:12-14
12 "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
Food for thought:
Having raised sheep as pets - 1 named Suzie and 2 others named Cotton and Lace (pictured)- I have observed over the years many interesting traits about sheep. I have also read other known facts about them. Here are a few. Contrast them with our characteristics and see if any compare (just for fun of course)!!
- Sheep are really dumb animals
- They are (natural) followers - not leaders
- They have no defence against wild prey (no horns, no teeth for biting, etc.) which makes them very vulnerable to the attacks of their enemies
- They fall to their knees (bow) in submission when caught or held
- They know their own Shepherd/Master's voice.
- They are completely dependent on their Shepherd for their care.
- If they stray (run away or get lost) or get into trouble (briers, wire, fencing) - they have no instinct to find their way home or out of trouble (like cats or dogs)....but are completely at the mercy of one who Shepherd's them.
- When carried by the Shepherd (or owner) - they are limp, cooperative, and trusting
Are you as thankful as I am that we have the Great Shepherd to find us, save us, care for us, lead us, feed us, defend us, rescue us, carry us, and love us ? He's worth bowing to!
Choosing JOY,
Stephanie
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