The Lamb Protector
by Angela Weir
During the floods in the early part of the year many farmers lost livestock, and huge damage was done to roads, bridges, houses, and land, some of which is still boggy or covered with stones washed down the hillsides. In Scotland, near where my sister lives, a sheep was found stuck in a tree. It was still alive, and when they managed to rescue it they discovered that its fleece was filled with mice, which had crawled in there for protection. Not very nice for the sheep perhaps, but a safe and warm refuge for the mice.
Where do we run to for protection in times of trouble? So often the tendency is for us to try to cope on our own. Perhaps it’s an issue of pride, not wanting to show weakness before friends or family, or maybe we’ve been taught to be self-reliant. Isn’t that a part of our upbringing, learning to manage things on our own, rather than depend on those around us all the time?
We have a Lamb who provides far greater protection than the sheep, one who’s always ready to ‘cover us with His wings’. As I write this, I have a blackbird nesting in the clematis just outside my front door. She eyes me warily every time I go in and out, so I just bid her a quiet “good morning” or “good evening”, and she nestles down on her eggs. Soon the babies will hatch and she won’t be able to sit so low, but she’ll still make sure that she covers her fledglings with her wings to keep them warm and safe. It’s Psalm 91 in action, and a wonderful demonstration of how our loving Father cares for His children, as we put our trust in Him. There are many places in the Scriptures where the Lord tells His people that He’ll be their protector, their shield and their fortress. He doesn’t say that He’ll keep us from difficult and dangerous events, but that He’ll help us through them.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You that You’re completely trustworthy and that I can rely totally on You. Thank You that You keep me safe, and cover me at all times, even when I feel alone. You’re an amazing God and I’m sorry that I sometimes forget that, and look to other means to protect myself. Please give me that gentle nudge to remind me of Your wonderful presence. Thank You, Father. Amen.
Angela Weir has been associated with Ellel Ministries from the very beginning, first as an associate member of the ministry team and later as an associate teacher. She trained as an actress before moving to Cumbria, where she taught drama in a girls’ school. She now teaches and ministers at various Ellel Centres.
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