Wednesday Bible Blurb Squeaky 11 13 2024
“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 will comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4 [NKJV]).
It was a warm early afternoon when I walked out in my field to move my sprinkler. As a shepherd I do my best to keep my fields green and lush to feed my sheep and to give them comfort. This day as I walked out, I noticed a little lump curled up laying in the grass getting soaked by the sprinkler. A tiny month-old fawn had found its way into the watered area, laid down and was dying. Cold, wet and curled into the fetal position this little fawn did not look like it was going to make it
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.” (Psalms 23:5).
I have been shepherding sheep for over 30 years and my heart leapt out for this poor pitiful little creature. My inner shepherd kicked in and I immediately did my best to save the little girl. This was one of the twins which had been born under our apple trees just the month before. Have you ever had the opportunity to watch little baby deer grow up in your yard? Fawns are so cute and, in our case, friendly. Quickly I walked up to the fawn which if healthy would have run away. Instead, she laid there barely able to move or to even lift her head. Soaked to the bone and with obvious hypothermia I went to work using my shepherding skills. I rubbed her down with my hands and she “squeaked.” She had no energy to flee so I grabbed an old towel and dried her off and left her in the sunshine to warm up. It took about two hours of drip feeding her some goats milk for her to get her strength back. She still could not run away, and she still let out a lot of little squeaks. Little “Squeaky”, as I had named her began to squeak more and slowly walk around. Now to get her back with mommy deer.
Jesus said, “I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” (John 10:14).
As a shepherd I know sheep know their own lambs and the lambs recognize their own mothers. Deer are the same way as any mommy would be. I noticed a deer in our apple orchard and realized it was “Squeaky’s” mother. I picked up the little fawn who was now strong enough to struggle a bit, walked over towards the mother deer and put Squeaky down and pointed her in the direction of her mom. How great my heart leapt when mommy deer and fawn recognized each other. It only took a few seconds and Squeaky was getting a good meal from her mother. My old shepherding skills had won the day.
“A righteous man regards the life of his animal.” (Pro. 12:10a).
Maybe I have become an “old softy” as I love the wild deer in my yard. Jesus is our shepherd, He knows us by name and when we are in need, His cup overflows with His kindness, love and mercy to us. The deer in my yard deserve and have my protection. They feel safe and while they are wild creations of God, they are not afraid of me. I do not mow under our apple and cherry trees to give them a place to lay in the tall soft grass during the hot summer days. We have had numerous fawns born there and Squeaky was one of them.
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.” (Isa. 11:6).
The day is coming when the earth will be made safe for all. The day is coming when Jesus will rule, and His sheep will have His protection, and His cup will overflow, and His oil will anoint us. Until that day, let us live a life of compassion and be kind to our animals as righteous people should be.
Sheep appreciate their shepherd getting down to eye level with them. Sometimes in the evenings I go out to my little flock, sit down on the feeder and give them little treats to eat. My sheep will put their head on my shoulder, and I will rub them behind the ears letting them know they are safe and taken care of. Recently, while I was out feeding my sheep, mommy deer walked over to where I was and little Squeaky followed her. As with my sheep, I got down to her level and talked with the deer, as they know my voice. Then a most wonderful thing happened. Little Squeaky walked over and put her wet little nose on my nose. I was face to face with little Squeaky. It had been several months since we saved her but maybe this was her thank you. Let us all look forward to the Kingdom of God when the lion and the lamb will dwell together in peace.
Picture credit: Squeaky by Mike Wallace
