Daily Devotional, Sept 21, 2023 The spotted sheep
"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” Isaiah 1:18
Did you know that the term “black sheep” did not always denote negativity, especially back when the world was not as complicated as it is today? Shepherds from way back do not consider it unfortunate to have one because a lone black one signifies good fortune for the rest of the flock. Back then, being a black sheep meant just being different from the rest of the group.
However, when the wool industry came to be, some farmers attached bad connotations on black sheeps since their uniqueness can impact their income. Since the sheep’s wool is black, it cannot be dyed with another color, making its by-product less profitable compared to pure white ones. And so, from then on a stubborn, hard-headed, and wayward child from an otherwise brood of well-behaved children has been described as a “black sheep.”
But how about spotted sheeps? Do they exist? If they were equated into people, could they be people who do not sin as much as a wayward black sheep does?
Ask any Priest or Pastor and he will say that a sin is a sin. The bible says that regardless of the gravity of the sin, it is still counted as a violation of God’s commands. Take a look at what the Apostle Paul said in his letter to the Romans: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23).
Yes, some of our sins may not land us in jail, and we could live life not committing those kinds of mistakes, but our “smaller sins” could still certainly land us in hell. Without confessing our sins and surrendering our lives to our Savior Jesus Christ, the huge sins of a “black sheep,” and the small sins of a “spotted lamb” will all look the same, quoting the letter of St. James: “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it,” (James 2:10)
So it is important to note that the Good Shepherd is always willing to take us on, lay down His life for us and rescue us from the evil one. The Gospel of St. John clearly quoted Jesus as saying “Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.They will come in and go out, and find pasture” (John 10:7-9). Jesus even patiently guides us towards righteousness no matter how long it takes for us as long as we remain willing to abide by him “He leads me beside still waters.He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousnessfor his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3-4).
Whether we see ourselves as a “black sheep” or a “spotted one,” we should always keep in mind that we have a chance to be forgiven. We can purify ourselves by submitting ourselves to God, and allowing Jesus to become the Shepherd of our life. We can still be redeemed, and strive to be like him — a pure and unblemished lamb.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on John 10:1-18 and listen to the praise song “Worthy is the Lamb” to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you see yourself as a spotted lamb because your sins are not too big and not too many? Have you confessed these sins to our Lord and sought for His redemption?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, I praise and thank you for saving me from eternal damnation. Give me the confidence to continue trusting in you so that I can strive to live a godly life. Amen.
