In this current edition of the Chapel in the Park there is a focus on the foundational elements of the Christian message. As such, I thought it helpful to consider an important analogy used throughout the Bible to help us understand how God looks upon us and how we might look upon Him. So, consider the phrase “the black sheep”; not the most flattering of descriptions but it does provide a helpful analogy to describe how a certain individual stands out from the crowd for reasons that are less than complimentary. In a similar vein but perhaps lesser known is the phrase “the lost sheep” used throughout the Bible to describe ones who have strayed or been scattered and become ‘lost’ from God’s plan and purpose.
If we trace the theme of lost sheep we note that Isaiah wrote “we all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” (Is 53:6). Similarly, the Psalmist records “I have strayed like a sheep”. This theme continues when we reach the New Testament where Jesus Christ makes a number of significant references to sheep being scattered, lost, or straying. A key reference is actually referred to as the parable of the Lost Sheep that is recorded in Luke 15. The Gospel of John also records that Christ referred to Himself in the following way “I am the gate for the sheep… anyone who enters by me will be saved” and then soon after; “I am the good shepherd” another clear reference to the care of sheep.
So, let’s connect some dots here. It is by no means a coincidence that the Scripture consistently uses sheep as a reference to those who are led by God, and to straying sheep as those who have been lost from God’s plan. Clearly, when we “turn to our own ways” we have in fact strayed because I cannot shepherd myself. Thus ‘our own ways’ are by their very nature describing the very action of straying. However, if we are going to come into the full measure of what God has for us, then we must see and understand that there is a shepherding principle which protects us and guards us from the straying principle of our own ways. We know also that sheep are a herd animal; they live in flocks and this is important for their overall survival as they have little in the way of natural defences if isolated, and predators abound. So their greatest protection is to remain within the flock under the watchful eye and care of their shepherd. A community of believers is not dissimilar to a flock of sheep; there are people from different families of varying ages all under the care of one shepherd. An important characteristic of a shepherd is that He knows His sheep and the sheep know Him. Likewise the shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. There is such a security under the care of the shepherd.
So what does it mean to be lost? Firstly, it’s important to define what it is to be lost. The very word lost denotes that the location or whereabouts of the object (in this case sheep) was known at a previous point in time. But when the location of an object or animal is no longer known then it must be considered lost. So it is important that we understand that there is a context in which every one of us can be considered lost or indeed found. It reminds me of the story of Jesus as a young boy when His parents were anxiously searching for him after a visit to Jerusalem. He was, according to them – lost. But as we know from the story, He was actually in a very safe place (studying in the synagogue). It is interesting to note that as a 12 year old, Jesus knew where He should be found as evidenced by His reply to His parents “Why were you searching for me?” he asked, surprised that they had assumed He might be lost. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49-50). His location was unknown to His parents and for a nervous three days, His parents searched to find Him. But when we understand the background and see how the story unfolds, we see with great clarity that Jesus was only lost from their perspective. But to the Father He was right on track, at home, in His temple. Perspective is so important when we are determining whether something or someone is lost and in this respect it is God’s perspective which matters most. If, from God’s perspective, I am lost then I can be certain that I have turned to my own ways and strayed from His care.
For us, the Scripture is clear that the only safe place for us is to live is within the context of a community which is under the care of the shepherding principle of Christ. There we are known by the shepherd and know the shepherd’s voice, and as we remain obedient to His command and put off “our own ways” we remain safe. Outside of this context, we become vulnerable and defenceless to the many pitfalls and dangers that desire to ensnare and devour us.
Perhaps you are someone who has made a beginning with Christ but ‘turned to you own ways’ and accordingly, strayed from Christ the good shepherd and the security of the flock. Or maybe you have never made a beginning with Christ and remain lost to His plan. Whatever the case, let me invite you to come to Christ, and return to the safety of His flock under the care of the Shepherd.
Richie Kaa
