Weak Sheep
“‘ “You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD.” ‘”
Today’s Text: Ezekiel 34:25-31 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
There is nothing more reassuring in this life than knowing that I am one of the sheep of the Sovereign LORD. Along the way, though, Christ has called me to be one of His under-shepherds. But as an under-shepherd, I have tried as best as I can to model what it means to be one of the “weak” sheep in the flock of Christ.
When we look at the context of this passage, we find a comparison of the “fat” and “lean” sheep—that is, the “strong” versus the “weak.” The LORD chastises the “fat” and “strong” sheep for “butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven [the lean sheep] away” (verse 21). Isn’t that the nature of this world? And sadly, I find that to be the nature of many churches too.
Reflecting on my life, I think that modeling what it means to be a “weak” sheep of Christ fits naturally with my personality. I have found that whenever I try to exercise “power” over others, I initially like the feeling, but then the feeling of enjoyment leaves a bad taste in my mouth. That is also why (I think) that I have always enjoyed competing in sports, and while I enjoy winning, winning or losing never really mattered that much to me.
I just don’t feel compelled to prove to everyone that I am a winner and not a loser. In the eyes of this world, that makes me very weak, indeed. But when I find a fight worth fighting for, I will stand my ground.
Protecting my pride is not all that important to me. Of course, no one enjoys having their pride poked. But maintaining my integrity before God is what matters, and for me that is enough.
That’s not to say that my integrity before God is without many holes and blind spots. I’m just saying—that’s my general attitude. Because I know also that my integrity is not what saves me at all. It is by grace I am saved, through faith. And that is not from myself—it is the gift of God. And yet, I am God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works—as a weak sheep—which God has prepared in advance for me to do.
Father, You are Sovereign LORD. My life, my family, my ministry, this community, this world are in Your hands. My work is to believe in Your Son, my Good Shepherd. And in believing, lead me to still waters and green pastures. But just keep my eyes fixed on You. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
