Lamber's Come!

My friend, Cathleen Cliffton, recently passed away. At her celebration of her life some teachers she taught with through BSF shared a story that captured my heart. I asked permission if I may share the story and the Cliffton's granted me favor. I am so thankful because it has caused a longing in me to capture different images as I learn how to paint. This is my first.

When Cathy was in fifth grade her dad went to the school to ask permission to check her out in the middle of the day to help at the farm. See, Cathy's family were farmers. When a baby lamb was rejected by it's mother it was Cathy's job to raise the little lamb. The little lamb was brought into the house and Cathy bottle fed the baby until it was ready to live on its own in the pasture. Cathy became the lambs mom and shepherdess. When Cathy would call her little lambs she would say, "Lamber's Come!"

Her dad explained to the office staff that Cathy was the only person they would listen to because her sheep know her voice and will not listen to him.

When Cathy's dad took her to the field she called out, "Lamber's Come!" and then all of the little sheep came running to Cathy.

If you know Scripture you will know the verse that says, "My Sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they listen to my voice." (John 10:27)

I love how this little lamber is running with pure joy. This is how I imagine it was for all the little lambs running to Cathy. I also imagine this illustrates the joy of a follower of Jesus when He calls them home. 

I have had two women I love run to Jesus in the last few months. Both too early for those of us on this side of heaven. But knowing that joy will be our response to the call, "Lamber's Come!" My heart knows peace and rest.

Irresponsible shepherds were given a warning by God!

Irresponsible shepherds were given a warning by God! 

That could be a newspaper headline for Ezekiel 34. Wozer! 

It is important to know that biblically a shepherd represents a king, prince, or overseer that can be political or spiritual that is in charge of leading God's people.

God asks, "Should not shepherds feed their sheep?"

God does not tolerate leaders that are self-indulgent, greedy, uncaring, or self-serving.

God makes it very clear He is against shepherds who only feed themselves. 

God does not tolerate shepherds that do not clothe, feed, strengthen, heal, bind, bring back lost sheep, scatter sheep, or protect their flock.

The warnings are a comfort for the one who hears because God speaks of promises found in emphatic I WILL statements.

I am against the shepherd that does these things.

I will require my sheep at their hand.

I will put a stop to their feeding sheep.

I will rescue my sheep from their mouths.

I will seek out my sheep.

I will rescue my sheep.

I will bring them out from the peoples and nations where they are scattered.

I will bring them into their own land.

I will feed them on the mountains of Israel.

I will feed them on good pastures.

I will give them good grazing land to lie on.

I MYSELF WILL SHEPHERD MY SHEEP.

I MYSELF WILL MAKE THEM TO LIE DOWN.

I will seek the lost.

I will bring back the stray.

I will bind up the injured.

I will strengthen the weak.

I will destroy the fat and the strong.

I WILL FEED THEM JUSTICE.

God then speaks very clearly to His flock. The above was a warning to the Shepherd gone astray. Below is the promises given to His sheep who hears HIS voice.

I will make a covenant of peace and Banish wild beasts.

I will make it so my sheep dwell securely.

I will make them places of blessings.

I will send them showers of blessings.

I will bless them with fruitful trees and fields.

I will make them secure.

I will break your bars of yoke.

     They will know I AM THE LORD!

I will deliver them.

      They will no longer be prey to the nations.

I will provide plantations.

      They will no longer suffer, be hungry, or receive the reproach of the nations.

      THEY WILL KNOW I AM THE LORD!

You are my sheep. The sheep of My pasture. I AM YOUR GOD! Declares the LORD!

A leader's service must be for the benefit of others and their community. God does not tolerate self-indulgent leaders.