Baa Baa Black Sheep

“For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:25

Every family has at least one. Somewhere in the mix of cousins, siblings, aunts, and uncles, you’ll find them - the black sheep. Determination to do their own thing their own way has brought desperate tears and sleepless nights to those who love them and even to themselves. At some point they wandered astray or walked away and often don’t know how or if they can come home.

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray…” the prophet Isaiah said, and Peter repeats the solemn truth. God’s family doesn’t have just one black sheep. We all fit the bill. None of us are sitting pretty in the pen on our own. No whiteness or brightness here. We all wandered astray and walked away from the very God who created us.

But we have returned. Why? Because the Good Shepherd found us. He came and got us. He looked for His lambs and located us in all sorts of places. Some were over the edge barely hanging on. Others of us were flat on our backs, feet kicking wildly in a futile attempt to right ourselves and our ways. Many were hidden behind facades, traumatized by the past and terrified by the future. “But now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

You have Someone who is looking for you and looking out for you. “I am the Good Shepherd. I lay down my life for my sheep.” (John 10:14-15) Jesus laid down His life for you. He will lead you and love you. He knows that as a precious black sheep washed white by His blood, you still have a tendency to roam off His path and ramble on your own. If you’ve wandered, never wonder how or if you can come home. Just turn – return – to Him. The grace of His cross will light the way and you’ll find Him walking with you, welcoming you back.

Mary’s little Lamb grew up to be our Great Shepherd.
Our cups really do run over.


Time For A Little R&R

REFLECT
Think back to the specific time when Jesus found you and saved you. Where were you and how were you?

RESPOND
Praise Him for making you His own. If you’ve wandered a bit away, return today. Don’t miss another moment of closeness and connection with Jesus.