The Shepherd Leads

He guides me in paths of righteousness
       for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 (NIV)

 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25 (NIV)

 Props: shepherd’s staff (or cane)

             Shepherds have many responsibilities when caring for their sheep.  One of those jobs is to lead their sheep.  Sheep love to run away and go in the wrong direction, to places that are dangerous or bad for them.  Shepherds have to make sure that they stay with them where it is safe.  Sometimes a shepherd has to use a staff to bring his sheep back.  (Display staff).  This is a staff.  It probably wouldn’t feel very good to get pulled back in line with this.  But it’s better than getting lost, stuck in the rocks somewhere or killed by a wild animal. 

            We often like to go our own way, the opposite of where God is trying to lead us.  We think we can do our own thing and still be okay.  But Jesus loves us so much that He tries to bring us back.  It doesn’t always feel good, but it is for our best.  Jesus won’t use a staff like this to bring you back.  He may give you a bad feeling on the inside when you do something wrong.  He may use your parents or teachers to let you know you’re going in the wrong direction and you need to come back.  However He does it, listen closely for Him and follow wherever He leads you.  Jesus takes care of us, so let Him lead you to places that are best for you.