Tuesdays Inspiration

Morning Inspiration with Pastor Merritt

One of the things that fascinates me about Jesus is how He looked at people. When we look at people we tend to see nameless faces, bland personalities, a bunch of hang ups or hiccups, but when Jesus looked at people He saw them as sheep. But more specifically sheep that wandered around in the dark not knowing really where to go.

When you drive back to your neighborhood today, when you are in the middle of traffic tomorrow going to your office, the next time you go to a packed out movie house or a sold out sporting event think about this verse,

“When he saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)

Do you know why a flock of sheep with no shepherd is so sad? Because sheep have no sense of direction. And without leadership they will just wander aimlessly. They’ll stray away from the flock, they’ll lose their way, they’ll walk right over a cliff without a second thought.

How many times have I heard people who have messed their lives up, destroyed their marriages, lost their jobs, gone to prison, blew up every meaningful relationship they had, make these statements, “Somehow I just got off the wrong road.” “Somehow I just drifted away.” “I don't know why but I just wandered away from my roots.”

The reason why so many messed up people lived messed up lives is because they don't know where they are and they don't know how to get to where they need to go. So they just start wandering. Spouses wander away from their marriage. Children wander away from their parents. People walk off cliffs of drugs, alcohol, and materials. Just like sheep, we need guidance, direction, and leadership.