This is an actual testimony from a sheep who goes by the name of Willie. Let’s see, where should we start your story, Willie?
“Well, I guess we should start from the beginning. I was born ten years ago in the most beautiful valley. The valley was covered with lush green pasture, perfect for an all-day grazing. Nearby, there was a blue crystal stream with refreshing water to drink. The mountains majestically rose all around the valley. The white snow-capped tops of the mountains reflected off the sunlight. The view is just too hard to truly describe the extent of all the beauty. “
“At that time, there was a hired hand who tended our flock. How should I describe him? I hate to say disparaging remarks about him, but I just don’t have a lot of good to say. The source of his problems seemed to originate from the strong drink that he partook from. It would make his mood sour. Sometimes he would beat the other sheep, just for his own entertainment. If he drink too much, he would lie passed out in the middle of the field. When he was sober, he would call out our names, wanting us to draw near for another senseless beating. We didn’t obey his voice which made things even more difficult. That’s enough about the hired hand, you have a picture of he was like. So one day, there was a grizzly bear who approached our valley looking to make one of us his dinner. The hired hand was in a stupor. I never seen someone so frightened. He took one look at that bear and turned and ran out of the valley toward the forest. That was last we saw of him. Now the bear starting chasing after my fellow sheep, he scattered the flock and was able to take one of the elderly sheep who couldn’t run as fast. Eventually, the bear took his prey back into the forest. “
“After the hired hand had left, a shepherd came to our valley. This shepherd was good. He knew each and every name of all the sheep in our flock. He was kind and patient yet strong and courageous. We loved him for we knew he had our best interest in his heart. Over the years, the lush valley changed. A drought had struck the valley and the stream dried up. The green pasture turned to dust. The flock was in an uproar. This valley was all they knew. How could we just leave it? So many good memories here, but I knew we couldn’t survive in our present location. I approached the flock and said we need to move on. There is no life or future for us here, but the flock was determined not to move from the valley. Well, I said, “I will find green pasture beyond the mountains. Who is willing to go with me?” The flock said, “Willie, you are silly. There is nothing beyond those mountains and you will get lost, besides you are a little sheep. What can you do?” Boy, did I get my wool all ruffled up. I’ll show them. That very night, I left for the mountains. As I walking through the forest, I heard sounds, strange sounds. Was that a wolf? Was that a bear? I picked up my pace and headed toward the mountains. The problem was, I never been outside the valley. I didn’t know the way. I managed to get to the base of the mountain, but there was no path leading up the mountainside. So I cried out to the good shepherd, “Help me!” Do you know what, the shepherd heard my voice. He found me and picked me up, put me on his shoulders and carried me away. But I noticed we weren’t heading back to my valley, so I asked the shepherd, “Where are we going?” The shepherd said, “Fear not, Willie. I know of a better valley beyond the mountains and I am going to take you there.” I said, “What about the others in the flock?” The shepherd responded, “I called their names, but they are not willing to let go of their desolate surroundings. They said they were comfortable where they are at. I’m afraid they are going to die there.” I couldn’t comprehend the good shepherd’s words. It just didn’t make any sense. I was consumed with grief for the others, but yet so relieved the good shepherd was leading me to green pastures. When we arrived at our destination, the shepherd placed me in a more beautiful valley with other sheep from other flocks. The shepherd told me this was my new flock now. You will be protected from any wolves or bears and I am your Shepherd forever. The shepherd’s family was all there to welcome me home and they were so joyful at my arrival. They even sang happy tunes. Now, this is a home that I will never want to leave and I will never have to.”
Inspired by John 10.
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