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“God’s gracious Spirit comes quietly to reassure us that Christ Himself is aware of our dilemma and deeply involved in it with us. And it is in fact in this assurance that we rest and relax” (W. Phillip Keller).
Satan, with his craftiness, is in relentless pursuit of our heart. He is ruthless in his temptations to convince us to cling to our individuality. Our sinful nature adamantly resists any comparison to a helpless, timid, feeble animal like a sheep. In contrast, the world has no shortage of evil helpers promoting and idolizing a survival of the fittest, top-of-the-butting-order mentality. Satan is violently opposed to our contentment and our souls at peace. In fact, it took an earth-shaking sacrifice — a death — for our Good Shepherd to “make” us lie down. It is noteworthy that if left to our own, we cannot lie down and rest. Thanks be to God that we have an owner who can provide release! (Matthew 11:28)
Keller’s experience as a shepherd allows him to elaborate on the four requirements for any sheep to lie down and rest. And fulfillment of these prerequisites entails a tremendous amount of effort, time, and concern for their care. Consider the list and the response from our Savior in scripture:
- Free from fear (Isaiah 41:13)
- Free from friction (Matthew 5:9)
- Free from pests (Exodus 8)
- Free from hunger (John 6:35)
The news that should always be remembered and testified to is the extent that our Shepherd will go in His care: God sending His Son to lay down His life for us to lie down our soul in peace.
If your journey finds you in tension with the vision of a lost and weak sheep, quickly shift your mind. Because of Christ, you don’t have to feel that burden. Your inheritance is much more than your finite strength. Consider the Lord’s response to Paul in his pleading — "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). There is nothing more powerful than the resurrection power of Christ. We may know the truth that He conquered death and sin and proclaimed victory over Satan, but do we also remember that He cares deeply for every one of our moments (John 11:35)? Take that image of a sheep and express Christ’s power made perfect through all of life’s frustrations and disasters. Through obedience, that sheep is now a warhorse! Keep your eyes on your Master and proclaim a soul of joy, victory, and contentment.
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