Lost

Ever get lost in a book, or a movie, or lost in thought? Good places to be at times, which are better than being told to ‘get lost.’

One to avoid is losing our way in the wilderness and the wilds of despair, with pathways of tempting crawly things and thorny weeds of remorse. And our moral compass must have slipped out of our backpack, maybe a few miles behind us.

Now, we are truly lost, and worse, we don’t know how to get back on the right path. Some folks have suggested trying yoga, reading certain books, or going to the gym for a workout.

Here’s one that rings with truth. It is a little bit of animal husbandry – specifically sheep, whose origins date back to ancient times, and the care of these fleecy flocks continues to require attention lest they run themselves over a cliff or stray and meet a predator. From our vantage point, a parable is in the making. Sheep. People. Jesus’ anthropomorphic comparison is significant on two levels. First, it is the obvious parallel of people being likened to sheep-like qualities, and second, comparing people to animal traits connects us to this natural world of birds, dogs, cats, cows, and sheep. From a pet goldfish or gerbil to a horse, we give them names; we talk to them. We connect. Jesus does likewise, connecting himself to us and, yes, to the sheep world in need of a perfect shepherd to care for the flock.

So, if lost or strayed, hear our Good Shepherd’s voice, and return to the flock, and maybe, just maybe, other sheep will follow.

Prayer:

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. (Psalm 23:1-3)