Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
What does it mean to have faith? This is a short story of a lost, defenseless sheep. The characters are the defendant (the lost, defenseless sheep), Sire (Judge), and a sheep witness. I hope you will enjoy it. The sheep stands before the Sire questioning the sheep’s faith (Emunah) and wandering away from the fold.
Am I a Defendant Without Faith?
“”Am I without faith, Emunah? Do I trust in this shepherd? Because of the Good Shepherd, I now can stand.”
“Then state your case,” demanded the Sire.
The Defendant went on, “It is a fact that I was a lost sheep. Sire, I speak truth concerning my situation. The charges brought against me are true. I wish to plead my case, as you said.
My Case for Faith
Once, there was a shepherd who had 100 sheep. One sheep got lost, wandered away from the others. The shepherd, however, left the ninety-nine to search for his lost sheep. When he found his lost sheep, he rejoiced. The sheep was found in a large thicket. His fur was mangled and dirty. His eyes were dull, and he suffered from short-sightedness. In addition, he seemed confused at first for the sheep did not recognize that it was the shepherd approaching. If it had not been for the shepherd, the conditions under which the sheep was found, would have cost him his life. Not once did the shepherd scold his sheep. Instead, the shepherd rejoiced as he reached down and picked up his sheep. The shepherd gave comfort. Immediately, the shepherd begins to provide the much need nourishment. I was that lost sheep!
Can you imagine how a lost sheep feels? Let me tell you. Being lost is scary. It is fearful. Helplessness settles into the mind. At every turn, there is a sense of danger because of the darkness. My movements so unsteady that the legs tremble. The mouth feels dry because there are no cooling waters. The soul needs nourishment, but there is none in sight. In springtime, there is no one to shear your fur in hot weather. The irritation and miserableness surround you. Then, you know, how it is that a lost sheep is easy prey.
Faith and Hope
Faith connects to hope. “There is no wonder, dear sheep, that you need the Good Shepherd,” said Sire. A hopeless situation requires faith in the good shepherd. A good shepherd understands that each sheep is different. He knows the voices of all his sheep. He can distinguish the sheep’s voice of fear from the voice of comfort and joy. To put your faith in the hands of the shepherd is a place of refuge. Certainly, this sounds like the place for frail animals. However, my concern is in whose hands are you truly placing your faith.
Furthermore, at this moment, you stand accused of leaving the fold for greener pastures. You disobeyed the comforter and left the comforts of his care for what you thought was greater. For this, I cannot release you on your own for fear of death and strange entanglements. But do you have any witnesses that this is the good shepherd that found you?
A Witness Wishes to Speak
“Sire, I can speak on behalf of my comrade. I, too, was a lost sheep at one time. The same Shepherd came for me. It is not the fault of the Shepherd. It is in our nature. We do foolish things. Sheep are known for the lack of self-control. Why, even the Shepherd’s dog finds us to be creations of habit. It takes a rod and staff to guide us, also. Furthermore, if not for the Good Shepherd, leading us, we would simply die where we stand.
You see, Sire, our short legs are weak. We tend to focus more on what is on the ground, if we like the grass, we simply want to stand in the same place and graze all day. On the other hand, the Great Shepherd, knows that we must move forward for better and greater pastures. There, the cankerworms cannot harm us; The Great Shepherd does this to keep us from diseases. For we will fall prey to wild animals who desires to devour the simple, foolish sheep. Sire, this is the same Shepherd that went after my dear comrade. We can trust that this is the Good and Great Shepherd.
Lost and Found – Sire Continues
“Truly, there are lots of sheep. There are sheep in the east, west, north and south. Lost and found, is a choice. I can also witness a love so great that the Good Shepherd will come for you, Matthew 18:10-14; Luke 15:4-7. You, foolish sheep, have indeed found the Good Shepherd. Nevertheless, I must warn you, stay under the protection and guidance of this shepherd. It is not that you deserve this type of shelter. It is because the Shepherd loves his sheep.”
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Because He is my strength, I can face today. I have faith (Emunah).