One of the first things a child learns in school is animal sounds - A cat is meow, a dog is woof woof, a pig is oink, a cow is moo, a sheep is mehhh. As we grow older, we learn more about animals - whether they are mammals or reptiles, what they can and cant eat, which ones can be meat, which ones can be protection, which ones can be pets. However, somethings - interesting things - about animals aren't taught. An alligator still moves for a while after it dies because of the nerves in its system. A chameleon changes to whatever color it is on. A cat never lands on his back. Dolphins sleep with only one half of their brain at a time, and only one eye closed. A snail can sleep for three years at a stretch.The hummingbird can fly backwards. And sheep - they are generally considered dumb animals; and not only that, but when they fall on their backs, they can't get up; someone needs to help them.
Now we as human beings can be compared to animals in many different ways. But one of the most important metaphors used in the human-animal comparison is the one in the bible. We are referred to as SHEEP - the animal that is generally considered dumb and lands on his back and can't get up without help; not one of the animals with the cool ability to sleep at length without being in a coma or fly backwards. We are SHEEP; yes, sheep. And sometimes, we get trapped... upside down.
So many times in our lives we become victims of circumstance. People get sick. Some are poor. Some lack strength. Some are stuck. Some lack purpose. Some are looking for companionship. Some want love. Some live in fear. I could go on and on but you get my point. We are sheep and have those moments in life when we are trapped upside down; on our backs and can't get up; helpless and searching for a way to survive; struggling to get back on our feet and keep moving. But we can't. We just lack the ability to do it on our own, so we need a helper. Who guards sheep? A shepherd. And the same bible that refers to us as sheep, refers to whom as the shepherd? (It's a real question. You answer it.)
A mistake? No. A coincidence? I doubt it. Random? Not a chance. The shepherd leads and his sheep follow. He takes care of them, loves them and protects them. At those moments when we are trapped upside down, we need our shepherd. When we are sick, he says "I am your healer". When you are poor, he says "I will provide". When you lack strength, he says "In your weakness my strength is made perfect". When you are stuck he says "My grace is sufficient". When you lack purpose he says "I am the way". When you are looking for companionship he says "I will never leave you or forsake you". When you want love he says "I am Love." When you live in fear he says "I have not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind". And when you fall on your back and are unable to get up, he says "Call on me".
Next time you're trapped upside down, stop struggling, or looking to other sheep to help you up. They are just as dumb. Ask The Shepherd to help you get back on your feet and keep moving. You can't do it on your own. We all need Jesus. Me, you, everyone.
That is trapped upside down... as i do it.
~***shanpepe***~
Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit
So many times in our lives we become victims of circumstance. People get sick. Some are poor. Some lack strength. Some are stuck. Some lack purpose. Some are looking for companionship. Some want love. Some live in fear. I could go on and on but you get my point. We are sheep and have those moments in life when we are trapped upside down; on our backs and can't get up; helpless and searching for a way to survive; struggling to get back on our feet and keep moving. But we can't. We just lack the ability to do it on our own, so we need a helper. Who guards sheep? A shepherd. And the same bible that refers to us as sheep, refers to whom as the shepherd? (It's a real question. You answer it.)
That is trapped upside down... as i do it.
~***shanpepe***~
Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit
