There once was a little lamb who, as much as she tried, could not seem to fit in with the other little lambs in the flock. She sought to be accepted and loved, but everything she attempted to do was just not enough for those in the flock.

One day she came across a charming lamb, or so she thought, and she drew closer to him, she realized that he was standing in the most glorious patch of grass, greener than she had ever seen. She was so intrigued by this lamb and his grass that she moved even closer until she was right beside him. She lowered her head down to taste the grass, because she just couldn’t resist it. At first, the grass tasted so succulent and moist, she thought she would never get enough of it. Then she began to have a strange sensation and looked upward, as if contemplating her next move. The grass began to taste very bitter in her mouth. At this point she looked down again and the beautiful grass that had intrigued her so, had turned brittle and brown right under her feet.

She was confused. How could this glorious, green grass just disappear in front of her, and to be replaced by this substance that no one would want! It seemed too much to bear. In her mind, she had finally found a lamb that could offer her something worthwhile. At that moment, that lamb that she thought was bringing her something of great value, slowly turned to her and grinned. It wasn’t a comforting smile. It was as if he had something to do with all this deception. That grin made her feel an unexplainable sadness.

Then she glanced to her right and standing beside her was a shepherd. He was tall and strong. His strength was comforting. It was the first time ever that she felt loved, protected and safe. Was this feeling real? Was this shepherd real? After the experience she just had, she wasn’t quite sure.

Sensing her reluctance, the shepherd calmly said, “Come, my little lamb, follow me. Turn away from your sadness and follow me. I will show you love, joy and peace that you have never experienced before this moment. You will eat of the greenest grass and drink of the most refreshing water. All you have to do is follow me.”

The lamb thought this was too good to be true. How can I have all that this shepherd promises? I have never had this before. How can I possibly have it now? I have just resolved to a life of rejection. How can I expect any different?

Deep inside herself, though, she had desired that love, joy and peace that this shepherd is claiming she can have, if she only follows Him.

In an instant, she gathered all the strength that was in her and walked toward the shepherd. She knew that she was taking a chance, a risk even, to follow Him. She did it anyway, she walked closer to the shepherd as she gave the lamb one more glance. What she saw made her blink several times. She saw the lamb very frightened, a contrast to the cunning grin she witnessed earlier. As she moved further away from him and closer to the shepherd, she began to see him disappear. He was no longer there! How could this be?

She glanced back at the Shepherd, who at that moment was looking into her eyes with such love and compassion, she knew what He had to offer her was real. He didn’t need to say another word. There was no doubt or question in her mind that what he promised her would become a reality.

She would follow Him.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3

I have been reading from Harvest of Hope by Jane Goodall. It is a book written to encourage others to be mindful of their eating habits.

In the first chapter of the book, the author describes how early man perceived the food that was taken into their bodies. The second chapter discusses different cultures and their view of food. It can be quite different from the way that Americans view food. In fact, some culture’s eating habits could be perceived as very repulsive. An awareness of cultural differences can go a long way!

As I was going through this chapter on the different cultures, I read something that really caught my attention. It brought to my mind the picture of Jesus standing in our place because of his unfailing love.

The culture that was discussed was that of the Washo Indian Tribe in the Nevada River Basin. In the chapter, the story of the Tale of the Giveaway Buffalo was retold. In the Washo Indian Tribe, giving gifts is a way of expressing gratitude and thankfulness. The gifts that are given are of the sacrificial nature, usually an animal (four-legged, two-legged, bird or fish). This tribe believes that the animals are aware of their responsibility and will offer themselves as a sacrifice by coming forward.

The buffalo is perceived as a sacred animal. The belief is that the buffalo was given by the Creator to provide life to the nations. The story continues with a remembrance of a buffalo ceremony that took place, where a buffalo would be offered as a sacrifice.

“All of a sudden the singing stopped, the valley fell deadly quiet, Luta raised the prayer stick and asked for the one whose turn it was to give away to come forward. A large young bull began to walk toward Luta. As he prayed, the bull walked slowly past the elders and headed straight for the medicine man. Luta handed the prayer stick to one of the elders and placed his right hand out to accept Taanka’s sacrifice. When a buffalo comes to offer the Giveaway he will place his head in the hand of the medicine man and then drop his head to die. But just before the young bull reached Luta’s hand an older, larger bull came from out of the middle of the herd, and running in front of the young bull, he pushed him away and placed his head in Luta’s hand. Some of the herd came and circled the young bull as though to hold him back.”

“It was quite an amazing sight. There is no greater love than this–that a man (in this case, an animal) lay down his life for his friends”

I recall so many times in my life when God has stopped me from entering into a situation that would be harmful. In those times of deflecting hurt, I knew that I was with God and He was with me. I had the peace of knowing He was dwelling in me. In addition, when I have surrounded myself with fellow believers in Christ who had that same knowledge, the fellowship has been one of sweet blessing.

Have there been times when I haven’t felt the peace of God in harmful situations? Yes, unfortunately there have, but I can also trace those times of trying to accomplish goals independent from God.

I’ll ask some questions to illustrate my point. What if the young bull insisted that he would be the sacrifice and refused to accept the love from the older bull? What if he walked away from the other bull’s protection?

Do we attempt to walk away from Jesus when He is offering His sacrificial love? Do we refuse to accept His willingness to take our place in the times that we face adversity?

Jesus said:

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:9-13

So, with this illustration I encourage you to walk in love and allow God to show you His unfailing love!