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

At this time of year, the green fields of Scotland are full of lambs that are usually leaping and jumping into the air, as if they were on emerald trampolines. It's a pretty sight to see, and one that I greatly enjoyed when I ministered there. The lambs are full of the joys of life, and watching them blissfully gambolling always delighted my heart.

The young sheep, however, are notorious for crawling under hedgerows, squeezing through gates, and running out onto the busy country roads. Thus, on several occasions, whilst driving from one parish to the other, I had to stop my car, get out, and try to shoo the wee lambs back into their proper field. Passing motorists would often smile, wave, and toot their horns at me. I guess with my clerical collar on, it looked highly amusing to see the minister actually shepherding some of his flock!

Like little lambs, we sometimes go astray, especially in the midst of fulfilling our desires and seeking to please ourselves. We get caught up in doing what we like and sometimes end up in difficult situations. This is when the teachings of the church and the guidance of the Holy Spirit can show us the way back towards Christ, the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. Left to ourselves, we would become hopelessly lost, but given the right prodding from the Lord, we can return to His flock.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are our Good Shepherd and the Holy One who cares for our souls. Save us from ourselves, especially when we struggle with our faith and lose our way. Keep us from being careless with our lives, and help us to return to You for pardon and protection. In Your sacred name, we pray. Amen.

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John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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