The Sheep of our Father's love...

"The Sheep of our Father's love....When God forgives.  Ezekiel 36:25-28

Patricia Ann: Originally posted 07/24/2021

I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. You will be my people, and I will be your God.’ ” Ezekiel 36:25-28

God is our Father in Heaven.  As our Father,  He has always had our best interest in His heart for us.  Our Father offers forgiveness for our sins, knowing that we will be tempted by worldly ways and ideas and that many times we will fail and fall into temptation.  Yes, we will sin. Yes, we will suffer in that sin because that sin separates us from our Father.  But, we do not have to live in our sin. We do not have to live in the pain of our actions or reactions. 

It was 11 years ago that I sat down with my Father to write and He gave me this word about His Sheep.  It is written as He gave it to me...for you.

The Sheep

 As I was called to watch over the sheep, I wondered what  I would see.
Some were grazing graciously, thankful for all they had to eat.

They stepped aside for others  to share some of their food.
Still, others stood their ground,  seemingly very rude.
They did not budge a single inch,  for they wanted what was theirs.

That grass was meant for them. It wasn't meant to share.
There were sheep who seemed to follow the majority of the group.
Where ever the herd was going, they would go there, too.

And then, I saw the thirsty sheep. The grass was not enough,
to quench the thirst they were feeling.
They needed more to drink.
The shepherd saw the lonely sheep, but did not do a thing.
He was much too busy with the herd and all the tasks
the busy day would bring.

The lonely sheep were lost and did not mean a thing.
They weren't part of the group.

Would anyone really know? What could it hurt to just let these lost ones go?
The water hole was not far, with ample drink for all.

But the shepherd did not lead them, for fear that he would fall.

It was an uphill battle to lead the lost one's there.
They never knew the path and often stumbled here or there.
Their thirst was so apparent. And the path, yes it was hard.
But, they needed the patience of their shepherd; the one sent their to guard.

I turned my ear and heard their cry.  My heart could fee their pain!
I caught a glimpse of one sheep's eye and there I felt... his fear!
If only they knew that the water they thirsted for was very, very near.

But, how could all the lost sheep know?

No one would lead them there.
As I stood watching,  I realized the meaning of it all.
If only the shepherd guarding them were not afraid to fall!

God sent me here to watch the sheep and gave me eyes to see.
How wondrous it would be,  if I would give these sheep a drink!
So, I grabbed a staff and followed the uphill path.

The sheep arrived at the watering hole dirty and in despair.
But, as they drank the water,  I saw a miraculous cleansing in the air!

Each sheep's eyes began to shine, with a light reflected from the Son!

And their dirty coats were refreshed, as if each wore a brand new one!
When all had a final drink, I Ied them all away.
But, they knew where they were going and did not stumble along the way.
The downhill path was very steep,  but their steps remained synch.  

They were no longer lost!

I wondered... what would their shepherd think?

They joined in the herd, as the shepherd counted the numbers of his flock.
Did he recognize the change in them, or just the hours on the clock?
Did he even know they had gone up that steep hill to find...what they had so long thirsted for?
It wasn't just a drink,  you see...

But, a grace-filled peace of mind!

WRITTEN BY : PATRICIA ANN 
Copyright -2010
 

I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.  You will be my people, and I will be your God.’ ” Ezekiel 36:25-28

God is our Father in Heaven.  As our Father,  He has always had our best interest in His heart for us.  Our Father offers forgiveness for our sins, knowing that we will be tempted by worldly ways and ideas and that many times we will fail and fall into temptation.  Yes, we will sin. Yes, we will suffer in that sin because that sin separates us from our Father.  But, we do not have to live in our sin. We do not have to live in the pain of our actions or reactions. 

​

My prayer for today is that we seek the face of our Lord, His forgiveness and His love.   I pray that we are a willing vessel for any who are lost, that we might step up to lead them, no matter how difficult the path, how deep the valley or how violent the storm.  God's love and His promises never fail, as we walk in obedience to His truth, His word and in His love.  May we help those we are blessed to meet,  to choose love over pain and to triumph together in His glory...refreshed, washed in His Spirit and love.   May we all shine together in one accord!

Love and blessing to all in Jesus precious Name. Amen.