The prophet Isaiah confessed that "All we like sheep have gone astray." (53:6) But as you can see above, the farmer we met today wasn't taking any chances. Every sheep was numbered - from 1 all the way up to 45.
Jesus told the story of the farmer who lost one of his sheep (Matt 18:12). He had 99 in the fold, but one was missing. Well today's farmer would have known exactly which one!
To the Good Shepherd each person is of infinitely greater value than the sheep of the farmer's field. Not only is each one of use uniquely identified and known by God, Jesus told his followers that "even the hairs on your head are counted." (Luke 6:7)
So in these days of confusion and uncertainty, be comforted that your Father knows exactly who you are, where you are, and will keep you safe, now and always.
Today we did find out why the farmer had numbered each one of his sheep. It wasn't so that he would know which one was missing. It was so that he would know in which order the sheep would have their lambs in the Spring! Farmers are smart indeed!
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