Sometimes, when a ewe gives birth to a lamb, she rejects it. She won’t allow it to nurse or accept it in any way. The rejected lambs are called “bummer lambs.” The rejection not only puts them on the path to starvation, but it also breaks their spirit. These lambs will walk around with their heads downcast. They are physically depressed, they know their days are numbered.
Shepherds are on the lookout for these little lambs. A good shepherd will find this lamb, place it close to his heart so it can hear his heartbeat, and takes it home. He bottle feeds it and keeps it warm. Throughout the days ahead, the shepherd will continue to carry the lamb close to his heart. The shepherd knows it needs nurturing, or it will die of a broken spirit. As the lamb rests near his heart, it learns the sound of his voice. It learns to trust him.
When returned to the flock, this lamb is strong enough, mentally and physically to survive. Often, these lambs grow to be the strongest and most productive of the sheep.
Through its life, even across long distances, the sheep will hear and recognize the voice of its shepherd, answering when it hears the sheep call.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
This verse is the epitome of this lost lamb life for me. I wasn’t cast out but instead, I shunned my faith. For most of my life, I stood away from the Church, wandering lost. Then, the Shepherd picked me up and began to care for me. I was fed by His hand and nurtured back to spiritual health. Then, came that night a decade ago. I faced a dark night and became lost.
The Shepherd called out and “I knew His Voice.” I finally recognized the voice of the Shepherd. And, I emerged from the dark night, strong and focused upon my Shepherd.
Since the day the Shepherd called my name, I come running any time He calls. I’ve grown to love the voice of the Shepherd.
Do you know the voice of the Shepherd? You don’t have to have heard Him audibly speak to you as I have. In fact, Jesus was clear when He told Thomas and the Disciples, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” John 20:29
When you hear His Voice and come to recognize it through the noise of the world, you will be strengthened and lifted up by the Shepherd. Knowing His Voice then guides your life along the right paths. And, when the Shepherd places you amongst the flock, you will bleat loudly and draw others to the Shepherd.
“If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts” Psalm 95:7-8
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