The sheep’s gratitude
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Fourth Sunday of Easter
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042113.cfm
John 10:27-30
Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
We have so much grass we’ll never eat it all. We can wander to our heart’s content all over the world, there are meadows here and moors there and room for every white sheep black sheep every color sheep. We even jump over the fence sometimes. And Jesus always brings us home.
“Come on, sweet lamb, come on and drink my water, eat my grass and let me love you.” His love is firm and soft, strong and gentle, sure of itself and sure of us, and somehow we’re all made more than what we were. I’ve thought before I’d try this on my own, and always then I’m alone and weak. Surprised to be alone and weak, as if it would be different this time. But no matter where I end up stuck and sad, I am never there too long. Never trapped that I’m not found again, and Jesus smiles one more time, invites me back. “Come on, sweet lamb, come on.”
He looks at me, and he knows me. He looks into my eyes, and he sees how very different I am from all the other sheep. I have trouble telling us apart, but he looks right into me and sees what’s there, not what is on the outside.
Is Jesus always thinking about me? But isn’t he always thinking about all the sheep? I feel more precious and unique in his presence than I ever do alone. I think all the sheep are like me. We all feel more special with him. And there’s no competition between us. He loves us all without end, and none more than any other, and none less than any other.
Jesus is right. We do run away, and he does find us again, and we might run away once more, and he will find us. But there comes a day, and that day is not far off, when I will not ever run away again. Because it is more clear than ever that being with Jesus is when I am the most free, the most me. In the presence of the “I am” of Jesus, I am … too.
Put your hand on my back, Lord, and guide me home. Touch me with your staff, and direct my path. I lie down and sleep, Lord, because you make me dwell in safety. You bless me, and give me peace.
http://www.christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1193
