“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36 NIV
Jesus described the crowd as being “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”. Harassed meant that they were defeated by life. The toils and struggles had punched them in the stomach one too many times. They were down for the final count. Ready to quit. Helpless meant they were broken and without purpose. They were wandering around aimlessly – people without hope, without meaning, without a reason for living. “Like sheep without a shepherd” meant that they would follow any guru or new idea even if it led to their destruction. Sheep are dumb animals. They simply put their heads down and follow the sheep in front of them. Without someone to lead them or guide them, they simply wander around aimlessly. Those three thoughts – harassed, helpless and sheep without a shepherd – are a fitting description of our society today. Ralph Waldo Emerson was right when he said, “People are living lives of quiet desperation”. They are desperate for meaning and purpose distraught by the world’s lies and heading for destruction. They are walking down a path that Jesus referred to as “the broad road” that leads to death. Do you feel harassed and helpless? There is a Good Shepherd seeking to lead you to a life filled with meaning and purpose. Will you entrust your life to Him?
PRAYER THOUGHT
Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You are the Good Shepherd.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the Good Shepherd who leads our lives in purpose and meaning, through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
I.B.R.A. Readings
Song of Solomon 7:10-13
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