Shrek. You probably know that name, made famous by the grouchy, yet lovable ogre from the animated children's movie. Well, I’d like to share with you the story of another “lesser-known” Shrek, whom you might identify with.
This particular Shrek is a Merino Sheep. He is a domestic type of sheep, native to New Zealand, that was bred specifically for the ultra-soft wool that it grows. These types of sheep are usually shorn once a year since their hair never stops growing. Even though this type of merino wool absorbs odor and bacteria, if it is not shorn, it will weigh down the sheep and become very burdensome.
In 1998, Shrek wandered away from his herd and avoided being caught and shorn for six long years. In fact, he was presumed dead. He hid in caves and enjoyed his solitude. But the day finally came when he was discovered and to everyone's surprise, he was covered in 60 lbs. of wool!
According to news reports, it was enough wool to make "20 large men's suits!" It's hard to fathom the weight that he was carrying for such a long time, and even harder to fathom the relief when he was finally shorn and free of all that wool.
When I first heard about this story, I immediately thought about how easy it can be for us to take the same route as ole Shrek. Once a part of the herd, enjoying the love and care of the Shepherd, safe and secure within the fold, and then for some unknown and often unrealized reason, we walk away and hide from the shepherd.
We distance ourselves from everything good and safe, and we retreat into the loneliest of places. All the while, allowing the weight of our sins, burdens, and rejection to overtake us.
Now that may sound like a quite deep analogy, but if you haven't experienced a time like that in your Christian walk, then you probably know someone who has.
You see, the devil has somewhat of a playbook that I believe he refers to now and then. When we are at our most vulnerable, he flips through the pages and chooses just the right means of attack to drive us away from the Shepherd. Whatever seems to be our weakness becomes his target.
Do you struggle to accept God's forgiveness? Do you find it hard to connect with a group of believers because no one is "like you?" Perhaps your "old way of life" still has a hold on you? Maybe you are overwhelmed by thinking that to be a Christian you have to be perfect?
Those are just a few reasons that some people walk away from the Lord and avoid coming back into the fold. Little do they know what a tremendous toll that being away from the Shepherd will take on their life.
I do not doubt according to scripture that King David knew, for he too had to be "brought back into the fold." Afterward, he wrote the 23rd Psalm. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
We can learn two important things from King David, and Shrek...#1. Don't stray from the safety of the fold. #2. Stay in the arms of the Good Shepherd.
