When the Ewe Rejects a Lamb

Every once in a while, a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. There are several reasons this can happen. One possibility is that the birthing process caused significant pain for the ewe, and she associates birth pain with the lamb. Once a ewe rejects a lamb, she will never change her mind.

These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with their necks—Their spirit is broken. Unless the shepherd intervenes, that lamb will die alone. So, do you know what the shepherd does? He takes that rejected little one into his home, hand-feeds it and keeps it warm. He will hold it to his chest, so the lamb hears his heartbeat.

This imagery is relevant to understanding God’s love and care for His people in times of need. Scripture assures us: `Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close` (Psalm 27:10).

Once the forsaken lamb is strong enough, the shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock. But that sheep never forgets how the shepherd cared for him when his mother rejected him. When the shepherd calls for the flock, guess who runs to him first?  That is right, the rejected sheep. He knows the voice of the shepherd intimately and how much He loves him.

So many of us are broken, rejected lambs. But our God is the Good Shepherd. He cares for our every need and holds us close to His heart so we can hear His heartbeat. We may be broken, but we are deeply loved by the Shepherd.

Scripture is filled with promises that affirm this truth. One such promise comes from Isaiah: “Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion for the child of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will never forget you" (Isaiah 49:15, ESV).

I encourage you to place your trust in His promises and embrace Him as your Father and Shepherd, who will never abandon you. He desires to help you recognise the beauty of His voice and restore your soul. Above all, the Lord longs to reveal just how deep His love for you truly is.