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| Free to roam |
New Lambs Leaping
I picture green rolling hills with jagged rocks jutting and spotting the terrain. There is a lot of bleating of sheep, bahhhhh, calls to each other, to the sky, to their Shepherd? The new lambs do a lot of leaping, because they are prone to the fun of the frolic. The older sheep graze perpetually, pleasuring their taste buds with the earths offering of every manner of grass and tasty flower.
Unprotected and alone
I see myself, wanting them all in the pen, safe and sound. I desire to herd the flock there, to count them and know that none are missing. The thought of one sheep unprotected and alone has my heart racing, and I forget to listen to the bleating. I forget, that not all sounds are ones of distress; that the sheep hear the Shepherds voice, even when they have gone out further then is comfortable for the other sheep in the herd.
Splendid and grand
It dawns on me dear reader, as I sense danger and a drive to protect, that the pasture, it is splendid and grand. The pen is no place for Gods people: Gods sheep. They are free to travel the entirety of earth. Containment out of fear, is not for the sheep that belong to God! His kingdom has come for those who belong to him “I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18). Next, we have this amazing bit of scripture from the Son: “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister…” (Matthew 12:50).
Lastly, let us seal this deal. We are given authority from The King “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you” (Luke 10:19).
We are sons and daughters of the Sovereign, and brothers and sisters of the heir to the throne. With this knowledge, a pen would be catastrophically confining… babies stay in play pens, grown-ups conquer the world with the God bestowed strength of the mighty and powerful.
Substitute solution
I know this: fear is some nasty thief that wants me to worry about people I love. Scripture has me knowing what I must not do, and what I am told works as a substitute solution:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
We are free dear one, to roam and graze, to crush the enemy under our feet: to trust in the Shepherd and know “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding”. This frees me, and I hope it does you too, from fearing for others and wanting to herd and hem them in.
Have no fear, God is near… my favourite revelation.
