Reflections on the Death of Precious, the Rejected Lamb

One year ago today, the little lamb that was rejected by its mother died suddenly and unexpectedly. I had just finished a long day of work at my auction and returned to my farm to find her lifeless form laying in the shade of a tree.

My reaction was one of shock and admittedly despair. This little lamb who we called Precious, had opened up so many doors and so many hearts to the love of the Good Shepherd, I could not for the life of me figure out why God would allow her to die. She had been perfectly fine that morning when I had come to give her some milk. What could have gone wrong and all the "what ifs" ran through my mind. Like, "What if I had been there? What if I could have done something to save her? What if all the people who are following her story get mad at me? What if?"

Normally, on a day of reflection, we tend to think of all we have lost! Today, however, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on all that has been gained by the life of Precious, and even by her death.

1. I personally gained a deeper understanding of what it was like for God when His LAMB, Jesus Christ, died a brutal death at such a young age. My understanding of what He said about "gaining more than was lost" impacted me greatly as He slowly explained to me these things through the short life of Precious.

2. I look around now and see all the family in Christ and friends through our Good Shepherd we have been blessed with because we were blessed to have Precious born on our farm.

3. Through her short life, God opened the door for me to daily speak of His great love, which is the passion of my life. So though she died so young, God used her life and death to allow me opportunities I never dreamed possible.

4. Though I wish she were still here, through her death I came to more fully understand why Jesus said that he was not here for his glory, but rather here to point people to the Father, the Great Shepherd and remind people how much God loved them and longed to dwell with them!

So, today, as I reflect on the life, and death, of Precious, the Rejected Lamb, my mind is drawn to reflect on another Lamb who was despised and rejected, lived a life filled with sorrows, and lost His life at such a young age. Yet, instead of looking at what He lost, He kept his focus on what He was gaining, "Who for the joy (you and I) set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

Today, I thank God for the life of Precious, and I also say thanks for the hardship of enduring her death. For though she is not here with us, God has used it ALL for His glory and given me more than I could ever have hoped for or dreamed!

In loving memory of Precious, 2/1/16 - 3/26/16. Thankful you we were allowed to enjoy you and how you have taught us about Enjoying the Shepherd, Jesus Christ!