Since Israel is stubborn like a stubborn heifer, can the Lord now pasture them like lamb in a large field? Hosea 4:16 

A stubborn heifer will not be penned in without a fight.  He will break through fences to be free.  God said that Israel is like that; obstinate, rebellious, and unwilling to be tamed.   Submission is far from their intent.

Christ died for lost sheep and promises to shepherd us in His fold. When someone nearby begins to stray, we should call out, “Where are you going? Jesus is going this way!” Still, there will be casualties because a sheep often behaves like a heifer, believing that he can go his own way and prosper. Despite the warnings, he forages in pastures where food will not agree with him.  And tragically, he didn’t notice the tears in the shepherd’s eyes as left. 

Jesus always knows what awaits those who leave the safety of His fold.  Heifers crave distant fields and, for awhile, everything goes well. They relish the exhilaration of autonomy.  They don’t understand that they will be devoured by something. It’s just a matter of time. 

I must be wary of taking the path of the heifer.   I can not live anyway I want and expect to be free of the consequences of a sheep who wanders off.  If I suffer hard times, I shouldn’t yell at Jesus like it’s His fault.  Our poor Lord!  Many thousands of times a day, He is blamed for things that are not of His doing. These accusations comprise the ‘tale of the sheep who have gone astray’. 

Jesus is unpredictable and leads us to new pastures without advance notice.  Nothing stays the same.  I need to listen and then align my path accordingly.  I also need to stick close to other sheep who are listening and following Him. We have each other’s backs.  If I am temporarily dull or distracted, they will tap me on the shoulder and make sure I stay with the group. There is safety in numbers when I join the fold of true disciples.

How can I not follow You, Jesus? You paid with Your own blood for the privilege I enjoy to be one of Your flock. Thank You. Amen