I've seen this shared many times from many people on social media over the past several weeks leading up to Easter weekend, and although I don't know from whom it originated, this story of "bummer lambs" is a beautiful demonstration of a shepherd's love - and OUR Shepherd's love.

* * * * * *

Every once in a while, a mother ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. If the lamb is returned to the ewe, she may even kick the poor animal away. Once a mother ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind.

These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with their neck. Their spirit is broken. These lambs are called bummer lambs.

Unless the shepherd intervenes, that lamb will die, rejected and alone. So, the shepherd gently takes that rejected little one into his home to love and care for it. He hand-feeds it and keeps it warm by the fire. He wraps it up with blankets and holds it to his chest so the bummer lamb can hear the heartbeat of the shepherd.

Once the lamb is strong enough, the shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock. But that sheep never forgets how the shepherd cared for it when its mother rejected it.

When the shepherd calls for the flock, guess who runs to him first? That's right: the bummer sheep. He knows his shepherd's voice intimately. It's not that the bummer lamb is loved more, it just knows intimately the one who loves it.

All of us are bummer lambs, broken in many different ways, and often rejected by the world and by people. (John 15:18, Romans 3:23) But JESUS is our good Shepherd. (John 10:11, 1 Peter 2:25) He cares for our every need (Matthew 6:25-34) He holds us close to His heart and heals every hurt (Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 40:11). 

The dichotomy of our Shepherd also being the Lamb is just a glimpse into the mysterious ways in which God works. As we remember and honor the week leading up to the Lamb's death & the Shepherd's resurrection, I encourage you to take some quiet time away from the hustle & bustle of Easter activities and really reflect on what Jesus endured for YOU. He loves you THAT much, despite all of your failures and flaws. (Romans 5:8). Yes, we are broken...but we are deeply loved by our Shepherd.

~ Jenny Bender