Lost Sheep

Jeremiah 50:6 “My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.”

Think of what our world would be like without leaders. Think of what churches would be like without pastors. Think of what horses would be like if there were no cowboys to watch them. Think of camp at the Bill Rice Ranch without adults! Well, we see in Jeremiah chapter 50 that God’s people were lost sheep, having no shepherd. God was (and is) in control, and He knows the future while holding the present. So why did He call His people “lost sheep”?

We can see what they were in verse 6. God says they were “lost sheep.” Lost means they needed direction. Sheep means they were in danger when left on their own. Verse 7 says, “All that found them have devoured them. . . .” They needed direction and protection, but they had neither-they were “lost sheep.”

Why were they lost and vulnerable? Verse 6 says, “Their shepherds have caused them to go astray, and have turned them away. . . .” The “shepherds”-leaders who should have been directing them-were the ones who had caused them to go in the wrong direction! Throughout the book of Jeremiah, God pronounces judgment upon the priests and prophets-the people who should have pointed the people in the right direction. For example, God says in Jeremiah 23:1-2, “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! . . Ye have scattered . . . and driven them away . . . behold I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.” God held leaders accountable.

How did this all happen? Verse 6 says, “They have forgotten their restingplace.” They had forsaken God Himself, the “hope of their fathers.” (verse 7)

Second, God holds us to account. The “shepherds” had lead God’s “sheep” astray, and He held them accountable for it. It is true that each person was accountable for what they did, but God also holds people accountable for the leadership they provide. God will accomplish His purpose, and He will hold everyone accountable. There are no free passes with God.

Third, the best way to help God’s sheep is to take heed to God’s shepherds. I Timothy 4:16 says, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine . . . for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” God instructs Timothy to “take heed unto thyself” first. Nothing you will ever do will impress God more than what you are. Sadly, some have been so wrapped up in what they are doing that they forget what they are. Give direction, but do not lose sight of yourself. Take heed to yourself so that both yourself and those that hear you will be helped.

We are reminded that God expects much from those who have been given much. Remember that God’s people are His sheep, and the best way to help His sheep is to take heed to yourself. Without leaders, our world, our churches, our families would be a mess. Israel became “lost sheep” and was lead astray by the very shepherds who should have been directing them. May God help us to properly lead the “sheep” who look to us.