- "You see, Madam, I have been a shepherd for many years, and have had sheep like this one before. I will tell you what happens. The following day, after I break its leg, I go to it with food; but it tries to bite me - so I leave. I let it lie alone for another entire day. On the third day when I bring food, it is submissive; and a few days later it licks my hand. By the time the sheep is well again, it will set an excellent example for the entire flock. I can assure you that no sheep in my flock will hear my voice as quickly, nor seek to follow as closely at my side, as this one. "
- As the great, heavenly Shepherd, why does the Lord at times need to "break the legs" of His "sheep"? What practical lessons and cautions regarding God's governing providence over His children are illustrated by this story?
Faith in God and trusting His providential dealings with a childlike confidence produce three wonderfully precious results in a person's life:
- 1. Patience in adversity
- 2. Thankfulness in prosperity
- 3. Trust for the future
The Heidelberg Catechism speaks of these three rich benefits in its Question and Answer 28.
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Question and Answer 28 Q. What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by His providence doth still uphold all things? A. That we may be patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity; and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from His love; since all creatures are so in His hand, that without His will they cannot so much as move. |
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How can this story be used to illustrate Psalm 119:67: "Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept Thy Word"? |
