Sinner, Sheep and Shepherd

Andrey Shishkin

Proverbs 22:9

English Standard Version (ESV)

9 Whoever has a bountiful[a] eye will be blessed,

    for he shares his bread with the poor.

Proverbs 12:10

English Standard Version (ESV)

10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,

    but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

Isaiah 40:11

English Standard Version (ESV)

11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd;

    he will gather the lambs in his arms;

he will carry them in his bosom,

    and gently lead those that are with young.

We have livestock of a sort here in this House of the Level Path: dogs, a cranky old cat, assorted fish.  I was laughing this morning about the group who gathered at my husband's feet looking for a piece of his breakfast.  They all know who the soft touch is in our house.  Earlier this week, not thinking, he left a just purchased pound of hamburger in the car while he ran into another store.  When he returned all that was left was shredded, meat-stained paper.  It was one of those times when I wished I could have had a hidden camera recording it all.  I can guess, but I'd like to see which one of the dogs went first.  Did they divide it up or fight a little over it?  Apparently they felt secure enough in their life situation to know they wouldn't get kicked out of the car for their misdeed and probably could have argued that they were just dogs doing what dogs will do.  Did they at least feel a little shame?   It's awfully easy for most of us to jump headfirst into sin while planning to deal with the consequences later.    Now my thoughts are wandering.   I first started writing because this picture of the old man sharing his bread with his animals touched a place in my heart.  When I think of the love and care that goes into the animals in our charge, I marvel considering the love and care the Savior gives to me, His sheep.  I'm sure God doesn't chuckle at my sin.  He may even be angry over sin's destruction in my life, a little like how my husband was when he found his hamburger missing.  There's just no need to steal what God so generously provides.    Even so, He yet cares for me, a sheep in His fold.