Sheep Without a Shepherd

Mark 6:30
"When He went ashore He saw a great crowd, and He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things."


This verse comes just after the 12 disciples had returned from being sent out by Jesus with the authority to cast out evil spirits. They had also healed many, and proclaimed that people should repent. When the disciples returned to Jesus and told of all they had done, Jesus said to go to a desolate place where they could rest for a while because there was such a crush of people that they could not even get a bite to eat. After a period of time such as they had had, I am sure they were exhausted, tired, worn out. We don't know how many towns and villages they went through, how far they had traveled. All we know is that they needed some rest. But upon reaching the opposite shore, Jesus found a large crowd awaiting him. The people had seen them leave, and were able to run around the lake faster than they were able to cross it. As they ran, more people joined them, and a crowd of 5,000 men was there to meet them when they arrived.


Instead of telling the crowd that He and His disciples need some time to rest, Jesus' heart goes out to them, and He began to teach them many things. He saw that they were like sheep without a shepherd. I have never truly seen a flock of sheep without a shepherd, but from what I know of sheep, if there was no shepherd, the sheep would wander, heedless of danger, unaware of cliffs, or wolves. They would not know which way to go, where the safety of the fold was, how to get back to it, or what time to get back. They would have no direction, no compass to guide them, no handler to protect them from those that would harm them. The shepherd provides all of these things. He watches over them with loving care. He makes sure that they steer clear of the cliffs, that wolves are kept away. He knows which way is the field that is best for them to graze in, he knows how to get back to the fold, and how to lead the sheep to that fold. He knows what time of the day it is. The sheep can rest in comfort as they graze, knowing they are safe, content in that. Not content in ignorance. Content in knowing they are cared for and safe. Sheltered. And once they are back home in the fold, who is it that places themselves between the sheep and outer danger? The shepherd. He lies down across the gate of the fold. 


The Israelites at this time were supposed to have shepherds. They were supposed to have spiritual leaders to give them guidance, to teach them the truth, to keep them safe from wolves of evil and the danger of false teaching. But those who were in charge had strayed from their path. They were no longer following the truth, and could not lead others to safety, the safety they provided only caused more confusion and mis-led the people of God. And so Jesus found them "as sheep without a shepherd." Wandering, lost, confused, alone. People in desperate need of care and leadership. And despite originally wanting the time in a desolate place with His 12 disciples, to give them time to rest from their ministry, He gives of His time to the people. He feels for them, and acts on His compassion.


Are we not in a similar situation today? Do we not see people that are as sheep without a shepherd everywhere we look? Girls lost and hurt, taken advantage of? Boys far from home because of disillusionment and pain? Leaders caught up in the nothingness of this world, the meaninglessness of riches, and fears of other nations? Pain and suffering in our communities? Fear, loneliness, despair? Do we not know the true Shepherd? The One to Whom all can come and freely accept His gift of salvation, and find safety in His fold? 


Do our hearts turn in compassion for these people? Or are we lost in our own little worlds, desperate for the rest we think we need? How are we showing Christ's love and compassion as we live out our lives for the world to see? Can they see the truth in us? In our churches, in our families, in our lives? Are we lights, beacons to the truth? Or are our signals muddled by the very cares of this world that is weighing it down?


The ever present evil and danger is out there and will never go away until Christ returns and everything is fulfilled that has been prophesied. But we are kept in the Father's hands. Safe in His fold. Let us strive to shine as lights for Him, that other lost sheep can find their way home.

It's the First

I have joined the denizens, and signed on to blogger. Woohoo!

Not much of a first post, but hey, it's there. :)