Recently I was browsing around some old files on my computer and found several messages I wrote for the children’s time at church a few years ago.

Here’s one of those messages, and it’s as meaningful—and perhaps even more meaningful—for adults as it is for children, so I’m sharing it with you now.

Don’t Wander Away from the Shepherd

The Lord takes care of us like a shepherd takes care of his flock of sheep.

What does a shepherd do to take care of his sheep?

The shepherd leads his flock along the paths that are safe. He takes them to pastures where they can find grass to eat and water to drink.

But sometimes a sheep will wander away from the flock. It’s hard to understand why a sheep that is well cared for would want to leave its shepherd, but sometimes it just happens. When a sheep wanders away from the protection of its shepherd, things can get very dangerous.

Sometimes God’s children act the same way. They go astray, which means they decide to do what they want to do, not what God wants them to do. They don’t follow their shepherd. And then they find themselves in trouble.

Does God still love His children, even when they’re doing things they shouldn’t? Yes.

Just like your moms and dads love you, even when you’re being bad. But they’d much rather you be good, wouldn’t they?

Jesus loves us even when we wander away. But don't wander away from our loving shepherd, because if you wander away, you can get hurt. Jesus loves you and wants you to follow Him and let Him take care of and protect you.

Let’s pray:

Dear God,
Thank you for leading us in right paths
Help us to follow you
And never wander away.
We pray in the name of our loving shepherd
Your son, Jesus Christ
Amen

 

Jacquelyn Lynn
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