Overlooking the herd on this bright sunny afternoon in March, Cliff makes still another decision regarding the cattle under his care. When is the right time to work the cattle? How much food do they need? Are they getting the nourishment they require? Are the baby calves healthy and growing according to schedule?
In spite of the different generations of cattle that have come and gone over the years they still answer to his call. “Come boss, come boss,” rings the sound of the herdsman’s voice calling out. Echoing loudly in the dry canyon near by 70 or more cattle come quickly at the sound of his voice. Even the mere appearance of his old tattered and torn Chevy pickup is enough to send the cattle running towards him anticipating what they hope to receive in the form of hay. Fresh cut or baled.
Cliff’s herd is restricted to the cattle on his ranch but we have a herdsman or “good Shepherd” that oversees us as His herd or flock, Jesus Christ. Overlooking us daily, tending to our needs from afar with similar questions to answer. “When is the right time to test their faith? How much spiritual food are they getting? Is it full of the nourishment they require? Are the newborn Christians healthy and growing according to schedule?
As the cattle trust that Cliff knows what he’s doing when he calls them or appears in his truck we need to trust Jesus. Confidently knowing in our hearts that Jesus too knows what He’s doing when He calls. That He has our best interest at heart, constantly aware, never slumbering, as He protects those who are His. Guiding us daily and diligently by His voice tending to our needs as He stands close by in the corral of life. Remaining on His current duty until such a time that the gates of Heaven swing open wide and we’re on our way home to be with the Good Shepherd once and for all. At last out of danger, away from trouble, safely at home and settled down for all eternity.
Cow number 235 will never get to choose who her herdsman is going to be but we get to make that choice for ourselves. Jesus Christ or Satan, who’s it going to be, is up to us. We don’t have for all eternity to decide. The choice needs to be made here and now. For eternity in Heaven is the pasture we choose to live in thanks to the herdsman of our choice, Jesus Christ.
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