Honestly, in many ways, I’m glad that 2014 is in the past. We lost a few of our cherished celebrities (Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Robin Williams, among others). We saw the outbreak of Ebola (a disease that Western civilization considered all but extinct). We saw more mass shootings. Political and civil unrest in many countries lead to incredible acts of violence and many deaths. We wrestled with racism and bigotry. We watched as militant, religious zealots committed unspeakable acts of violence and hatred to innocent women and children. The news last year was so depressing.
But, there’s hope.
2015.
2015 presents a new chance to do better, to be better than we were last year. Each and every one of us. Really, each new day and each new breath offers us that same opportunity. I pray that, this year, we will take it again and again.
I don’t care at all for astrology and zodiac signs and such, but this year has an interesting designation in the Chinese Zodiac calendar. This year, starting February 19th, is the “Year of the Sheep.”
The Year of the Sheep.
In Scripture, Christ repeatedly likened His followers to sheep. He said of Himself, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep” (John 10:11, NLT). He said of His followers, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (v. 27). For those of us who consider ourselves disciples and followers of Christ, I think this year offers us an incredible reminder to work harder to be better sheep for Christ.
Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples” (John 13:35, NLT). It’s become so trite to say (and even misused), but let’s take that challenge and show the world that we are followers of Christ by truly loving our neighbors (Matthew 19:19), praying for our enemies (Luke 6:35), and working for peace and reconciliation (II Corinthians 13:11). Let’s work harder to live in genuine community. Let’s be more Joyful, Peaceful, Patient, and Kind (Galatians 5:22-23). Let’s forgive those who wrong us (Mark 11:25). Let’s visit those who are sick or in prison (Matthew 25:36). Let’s take care of the widows and the orphans among us (James 1:27)…
In short, let’s be better Sheep.
What I’m Listening To
The Relevant Podcast, Episode 424: Phillip Yancey by Relevant Magazine
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