A PARABLE
There was once a wealthy man who owned many, many sheep. This man hired shepherds
One young man excitedly started his job as a shepherd. The master gave him five sheep, a beautiful ewe and four lambs. The young man was to care for the sheep and report to the master on how things were going.
This young man loved his sheep dearly. He made sure to take them where the grass was rich and the water was clean and calm. He watched over them carefully. There were many wolves in that country just waiting to grab a sheep or a lamb. The young man kept vigilant watch over those precious sheep.
The sheep in turn loved their shepherd. They listened to his voice. They relied on him. They trusted him to protect them. Because of the good care and their peaceful trust the sheep throve.
The young shepherd was very careful to report to the master every day. He told him of the progress the sheep were making. When there was a problem or concern with the sheep he would talk to the master and listen to his advice. All was well.
Along with wolves in that country there were also worthless shepherds. These men would ignore their sheep and try to lead the good shepherds astray.
One day, our young shepherd was accosted by one of the worthless shepherds. He was told that it was ridiculous to spend so much time with his sheep. He needed to have a little fun and let his sheep take care of themselves now and then, they would be fine.
The young man knew better than to listen to such lies and refused to trust the worthless shepherd. However, he began to be tired. It was such a lot of work to protect his sheep. He began to skip a day now and then of talking to the master. He decided that he already knew enough about taking care of sheep and didn't need to listen to the master anymore.
He started thinking about all the fun things he could do if he had more time for himself. He decided he could take a few minutes every day to just relax and do something fun.
At first it seemed to be fine. The sheep were still healthy and safe. The young shepherd was confident that he had everything under control. Pretty soon he was talking to the master only a few minutes once a week and then only once a month.
One day, one of the lambs was sick. It began to lose weight and couldn't keep up with the ewe and other lambs as they grazed. Then a prowling wolf came and caught the lamb.
The young shepherd was upset, but told himself that it wasn't his fault, accidents happen and he still had the other four sheep.
One day, after he had been having a lovely time with his friends and their sheep, he couldn't find his sheep. They had wandered off. He did manage to find them, but sadly one lamb had broken a leg.
Finally, the day came when the master called all his shepherds to come to his sheep farm and bring their sheep. As each shepherd arrived, the master inspected their sheep and gave a judgement. Some shepherds were praised for their faithfulness in caring for the sheep. Others were sent away in disgrace.
As our young man approached with his remaining three sheep, he had all his excuses ready. The sheep were contrary, they needed too much attention, he deserved time for himself. He wasn't worried. The master looked at the once beautiful ewe. She was now tattered and worn from trying to watch the lambs herself. She had lost weight and was in distress. The two remaining lambs were sick and dying.
What do you think the master did to that shepherd? "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Matthew 11:15 (ESV)
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her," Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)
"Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." Colossians 3:19 (ESV)"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)
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