“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (ESV)
Here in New Zealand, sheep outnumber people by about five to one. We have plenty of grasslands for cattle and sheep. Ewes usually produce two lambs a year but can have up to four, depending on the breed and weather. However, occasionally, ewes will reject a lamb. Sometimes, ewes kick the lamb and prevent it from nursing, and they never nurse the lamb back; unless the shepherd bottle-feeds the lamb, it will die. The rejected lamb is called a ‘bummer lamb’, and without the gentle care of the shepherd, it will surely die.
The bummer lamb needs constant attention. His mother has rejected him, leaving him with no other way to survive except through the shepherd’s help. It hangs its neck low, as if it were depressed. It needs constant feeding and attention until it is fully weaned, and then the lamb joins the rest of the sheep. The shepherd lets it stay in his house to look after it constantly until it no longer needs nursing. One thing happens to the bummer lamb. Whenever the shepherd calls the sheep at night to be fenced, it is among the first to obey. In the morning, it is among those who will run to the grass first. It is as if the lamb knows the voice of the farmer well. Whenever the lamb hears the shepherd, it rushes to the shepherd’s side. The lamb somewhat shows gratitude and a closeness with the shepherd.
I am a bummer lamb. I had good parents and a good family. I never felt rejected by them. One thing, though, was that I was born much taller and bigger, and I couldn’t fit in among my classmates and friends. I used to be teased a lot and grew up with self-image issues. I never felt I belonged. In my early teens, I developed self-confidence and stopped caring about what other people thought of me. During my conversion process, I came to understand and appreciate the great love of God for me. I finally experienced the presence of the Shepherd of my life. He is the One who cared for me and gave me value and worth. No matter how the world thinks of me, I know my Shepherd loves me and will never abandon me.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Psalms 23:1-6 (ESV)
It’s been a long journey with the Shepherd. I am no longer a spring lamb; I consider myself a seasoned sheep, who’s been through it all – wounded and nearing the end of my race. It’s been ages since I remembered my days as a bummer lamb. Nevertheless, I have not forgotten nor taken for granted the love and faithfulness of the Shepherd. The Lord is still my Shepherd, and He will never forget me. I am committed to serving the Lord until He calls me home. Honestly, I can’t wait!
Top image credit: Digital illustration of a New Zealand farmer bottle-feeding a bummer lamb from artstyles.com. Used with permission.
Tom Caballes was a National Coordinator of the Lamb of God, a community of the Sword of the Spirit with seven branches located throughout New Zealand. Tom lived with his wife Mhel and their two daughters [with his son-in-law and grand-daughter] in Wellington, New Zealand.