The title of this writing is not about robbers, it is referring to a shepherd’s crook. I’ve not raised sheep, but do know they scatter easily, going astray. There are sheep herding dogs to help a shepherd, but a shepherd also has a crook. (I think they also have 4-wheeler ATVs now and sometimes even helicopters to guide huge flocks of scattering sheep). The crook is a long (about 60+ inches in length), sturdy stick with a hook at one end, often with the point of the crook flared outwards. Shepherds use their crook to gather the sheep back into the herd, and sometimes as a weapon against predators who have come too close to the herd.

Jesus is called The Shepherd. Have you felt His crook? For certain, we have all strayed. I’ve been thinking about if I ever felt the crook of our Lord. Indeed!  When reading scripture, I’ve been pulled right back to His flock and find myself nestled in His unconditional love and compassion.  There are definitely times when I act like I am in charge and thus carry the weight of decisions and plans. If I seek Him and ask for His help and guidance, clearly the crook is wrangling me back into the fold. Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Our Lord forgives us when we stray, and wander away from His love and forgiveness. If you need to be guided back to the fold of His Grace, open your heart to the Way of the Shepherd. With prayer, you can be led by Him.  Stay in the fold, in His protection.  Worship Him. Praise Him. Allow yourself to be led and loved. Let your baaaaa-d ways lessen in His Ways.

Jill