Black or white, I’m still a sheep

 

Sheep are silly creatures, easily spooked and often wander off into unsafe places. As today’s reading says, we consider ourselves much wiser than sheep yet would never judge our Shepherd to err in His care for us. However, as the reading says, because of our so-called ‘superior intelligence’ we presume to take matters into our own hands anyway. Instead of listening to Jesus, we wind up acting much like sheep.

I chuckle at bit at this thought. The Bible often tells me to humble myself and that is not a command to think less of me, but to think realistically of me. When I realize the analogy of being called a sheep is a reality, I’m starting to get a good idea of my IQ level compared to the wonder of God’s knowledge — and that is humbling!

Reading Charnock’s vast section on the omniscience of God staggers me. I not only know very little about Him, I’m basically in the dark about almost everything else. I cannot perceive what others are thinking, and I don’t even see myself clearly, but God does.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. (Psalm 139:1–6)

He is the same with all people, knowing the thoughts of hearts, what will be even before it is uttered, and knowing the number of hairs on each head. Multiply that by the number of people on earth, not just now but all who have ever lived. Staggering!

He also knows how to deal with each of us, and when He does, we are surprised, even shocked. This week alone, we had two different contractors find problems in our new home and quoted mega dollars to fix them, large shock. We were dumb-founded and not happy. But in each case, a different contractor came in to deal with two other issues. We told each of them about the first problems — and they repaired them for nothing! I told one of them, “You may not have wings, but you are an angel.”

How does God do that? He knows all things. He knew what we needed. He knew who could fill that need and how to send those persons our way. God’s surprises are faith-builders.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20–21)

The Message says, “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” Of course He gets the glory. In instances like these, we know that only God could come up with solutions like those two, and more. Each day seems to bring another surprise from God.

PRAY: I woke tired this morning, feeling needy even after eight hours sleep. Do I ask or imagine how to deal with this? Or do I wait on You to surprise me in some way that is beyond my ability? Lord, I’m too tired to do anything but wait on You. Thanks for assurance of Your presence and Your power to take care of all troubling things and to hold me from running off elsewhere like a silly sheep.