The Wandering Sheep Syndrome

So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep. John 21:15–17.

“We have said that the love to Christ does not impose on all His disciples the duty of the shepherd; showing itself rather in by far the larger number in simply hearing the shepherd’s voice and following him, and generally in wiliness to be guided by those who are wiser than themselves. We must add that all who are animated by the spirit of love to the Redeemer will be either shepherds or sheep, actively useful in caring for the souls of others, or thankfully using the provision made for the care of their own souls. Too many, however, come under neither designation. Some are sheep indeed, but sheep going astray; others are neither sheep nor shepherds, being self-reliant, yet indisposed to be helpful; too self-willed to be led, yet disciplined to make their strength and experience available for their brethren, utilizing all their talents for the exclusive service of their own private interests.” The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, pp. 521-522.

The whole paragraph written above is startling and yet true. It bears reading a second and third time through to grasp the full intent. To sum Bruce’s thoughts here is what he is saying; some are not all going to be the shepherd, some will only be sheep allowing those around them to be guided by them. The others, while still sheep will be those who stray as if their own interests are more important, undisciplined, unwilling to be found, and in some cases too stubborn to use their strengths to help others. Did you see something though? Bruce said, “Too many, however, come under neither designation.” Isn’t this sad?

It reminds me of a story told years ago by my former pastor. It was the story of the shepherd and the sheep. There was a young sheep that always wandered away from the flock, wandering about wherever he decided to go, even placing himself in danger at times. One day, the shepherd came to the wandering one and took his rod and broke the leg of the wandering one. The sheep went down, writhing in pain. The shepherd took the broken leg, anointed it with oil and tightly bandaged the broken leg. From this day forward the shepherd carried this broken sheep around with him each day setting him down each time in a good place to graze. This was because the sheep couldn’t go to where he wanted. This went on for several weeks, day in day out. After several weeks, the bond of the shepherd and sheep became increasingly closer as the sheep depended on the shepherd to seek out the best ground for him to graze. When the time came for the sheep’s bandages to become removed an amazing thing happened. The sheep by his close relationship formed with the shepherd over several weeks, never wandered from his side again. A bond had been solidified. This bond would have never occurred without the insight of the shepherd. The shepherd could have allowed that sheep to wander off in the past until he either fell off a cliff (sheep are pretty dumb by the way), or taken off by wolves who preyed on the wandering one.

I think you after reading the story may begin to draw some conclusions; however, don’t be so quick to see this as a justification for God to break down the one who wanders from Him. Peter wandered from Jesus many times in his past. What did Jesus do? He restored him. But along the way, Peter learned some very hard lessons which left lasting scars in his life. Even with his scars, Peter was still accepted again by Jesus…

Sometimes we think we know what is best for our life and really don’t or aren’t interested in God’s input. This is that wandering sheep syndrome. One day, we might need someone to help us along our way and I pray there will be someone there to help us. I leave you with these parting words from Jesus to Peter:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.” Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me!” John 21:18-19 (NASB)