Isaiah 40:11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.
Metaphors are powerful tools that enable us to look at things from a new perspective.
Until a few years ago, getting tanned under the sun was an unpleasant experience for most Indians. However, as soon as the term ‘sun-kissed’ came into existence, the sun was viewed in a whole new light.
The Lord Jesus often referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd. Have you wondered why He called Himself the “Good” Shepherd? None explains this better than the parable of the lost sheep.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
A shepherd had a hundred sheep of which 99 of them we piously grazing in his presence. One wayward sheep wanted to explore and experience life beyond the boundaries laid out by the shepherd.
Maybe it thought the grass was greener on the other side.
Nevertheless, the journey led the sheep into unknown territory. When the shepherd noticed that the sheep was missing, he left the 99 and went looking for the lost sheep. Certainly, the sheep must have been disoriented by the experience.
Imagine its fear when the shepherd approached it. It must have thought its time on Earth was coming to an end. After all, which shepherd would want to look after a sheep that is a flight risk?
But the Good Shepherd embraced the sheep and took it back to the flock. He called for a huge party to celebrate the return of the lost sheep.
Similarly, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” – Luke 15:7
Who among us is without sin and does not need to repent? The Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is always looking to save those who repent. And all of heaven eagerly waits to celebrate the event.
Will heaven host a party in your honour today?
