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"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does
he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep
until he finds it?" - Luke 15:4He knows them by name. As the shepherd sat at the top of the hill, overlooking Bethlehem, he kept close watch over the sheep that roamed the hillside. There were so many, it was impossible to count them all. As the day went on, the sun became hot and he realized that he needed to move them closer to the river for shade and a drink. Using his stick and lifting his fingers to his lips he whistled. Bleating and baaing, the sheep began moving instinctively along the narrow path over the side of the hill. Then barking was heard as well, as 2 Australian Sheep dogs came from behind the rocks.
They split as they began running along side the sheep on opposing sides. A nip here and a growl, a bark and a body nudge now and then, these 2 dogs herded the sheep in a congregation with the shepherd pulling up the rear. Over the side of the hill they proceeded to walk and down into the valley the 1/2 mile or so toward the river's edge. As the shepherd watched and whistled his commands from the back of the flock, the dogs would respond in action. Then it happened. As one of the dogs were chasing along the side a single sheep was split from the group as the path took a bend around a rocky ledge.
The shepherd called out a command to the dog on that side and said in his native dialect, "Shaina split" at which the dog broke away from his natural pattern and moved to the rear of the flock. The shepherd with staff in hand began descending the rocky ledge in search of the one sheep - "Shaina". The other dog instinctively moved from his side to the center and widened his circular pattern. Together they continued the herd moving forward. The whole flock had moved perhaps 50 meters farther down the path, when coming up from the rear was the shepherd carrying the wayward sheep over his shoulders. Upon reaching the flock he set the sheep down and the dogs, resumed their roles along the sides. As the path narrowed through the valley, the trees were providing shade and the sun became hidden by the rising hill behind them. The sheep, all of them, were now safely in the valley and enjoying fresh grass still wet with dew, and drinking from cool river bed. The shepherd and his 2 dogs took a spot near a shaded outcrop of rocks and watched their flock through the afternoon.
We are kept in line by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Their constant observations of our life choices and actions result in conviction and guidance to steer us back to the narrow path. Through the scriptures we learn of the Son of God and we are guided on how to live this life. Sometimes begrudgingly, sometimes with anxiousness, but always with an understanding of where we are going. The Holy Spirit dwelling within each of us is a constant companion that delivers God's love and conviction in our decision making. The Father knows each of us by name and has promised to carry us when we struggle, back into the fold of fellow believers all going the same direction. There is not one that escapes His vision or compassion. Each with an ear for His voice will come when He calls them, and He will recieve them into life eternal with Him.
Praise God for His mercy, love and guidance to keep us on track and within His fold.
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