December 8, 2022
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25
It’s disheartening to think of people wandering aimlessly through this world, living only for the moment without hope for tomorrow. They are like lost sheep and as A. T. Robertson put it, “There is nothing more helpless than a lost sheep except a lost sinner.”
Without a Protector
Sheep are defenseless creatures. They will not fight. Often, they will be too scared to even run. These poor animals will just freeze in place and be consumed by their enemy. They need a protector, someone to keep them away from dangerous places and to fend off wild predators.
The soul without Christ is also helpless. A person without Christ remains under the power of sin and is vulnerable to the dangers found in this world. Only when one turns to Christ for salvation will they find protection from sin and safety from trouble.
Without a Provider
When left on their own, sheep struggle to survive. By nature they are neither hunters nor explorers. You’ll not find sheep traversing the countryside in search of food or shelter. Sheep simply eat what is in front of them and rest wherever they find themselves. Without a shepherd to provide for them, sheep are often lost and threatened with starvation.
Like stray sheep, souls need a shepherd to provide their needs. With Christ, one finds stability and strength to live. He gives rest to the weary soul, power to the weak in spirit, and comfort to the burdened heart. The lost sinner has hope because of Jesus Christ.
Without a Purpose
A stray sheep has no purpose. Where do they go? What do they do? They go wherever the path in front of them leads. Sheep do not plan or scheme. They follow the food, or what they believe to be food. These simple creatures live only to gratify the flesh without even the slightest thought of consequence. So sheep are easily trapped because they don’t know where to go or what to do.
There are many people in this world that are like stray sheep. They wander aimlessly through life without any purpose whatsoever. Because they have nowhere to go they live in the moment, often indulging their sinful desires. But why not, what else do they have to live for?
Christ offers hope to the sinner because He provides a purpose to life. The believer receives a new life with a new direction. They are heading for a home in heaven and along the way they are to glorify their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Jesus Christ offers His protection, provision, and purpose to all that believe on Him. The Saviour redeems sinful souls, establishes peace with God the Father, fills hearts with joy, and produces hope in empty lives.
Is Jesus Christ your Shepherd?