Jesus is the Great Shepherd

My husband has tended sheep for years; however, today, they are all being sold and will be moved to a new pasture. As I think about the time of, him enjoying caring for our sheep, there are many great memories and some that were not so great. A lot of work goes into tending a herd of sheep. The picture above is “Big Papa.” You can probably look at the picture and guess where he got his name. :} He loves our pastures, and we pray that he loves his next home.

I believe the lambing season was my husband’s favorite time. Watching the lambs being born into the world and often having to assist the mamas was a bonding time that he will miss. When the time came to take them from their mamas, it wasn’t easy. They loved their mamas but had to be weaned as they grew up. The lambs would cry for their mamas, and the mamas would call back to their lambs. They comforted each other with their voices. It was hard to see, but something that had to be done.

His attraction to raising sheep came from his heart for God’s word.

John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me —just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.”

John 10:4-5 “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

God used the sheep to teach many lessons that we could relate to. He loved them, and they loved him. They knew his voice, and they followed him. One of our favorites was, “Sheep are not driven; they are led.” This one has a funny story, but we will save that for another time.

As this season of raising and caring for sheep ends, I know the lessons God taught us will stay in our hearts forever.

I want to dedicate this post to my husband and thank him for always seeking to be a better leader in our home as he looks to the great Shepherd to lead him.

Jesus is the Great Shepherd and loves each of us very much. As we look at the scriptures, we must all ask ourselves, do we hear the voice of our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and are we following Him? Are we doing our very best?

Lord, thank you for our season on our farm raising sheep, watching the births of new lambs, and watching them play together. The time with them and the lessons you taught us through them will never be forgotten. Lord, as our sheep leave this pasture and enter a new one, we pray that You protect them. We ask that You continue to help us daily as we seek to follow You.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Thank you for reading my blog and allowing me to share my heart with you!

Always Believe,

Martha Gayle