The One We Lost: An Easter Message

As shepherds of Valais Blacknose sheep, we spend many of our waking hours caring for our precious sheep and lambs, making sure they have the best life possible. Even at rest, we’re thinking of ways to improve their welfare and our breeding practices, and dreaming of the future. When lambing season comes around, we hope and pray that our hard work pays off in the birth of the most vibrant, healthy lambs to the most vibrant, healthy ewes. But ask any breeder (of any livestock really) and they’ll tell you that sometimes things go sideways. Sometimes things aren't meant to be. Sometimes one is lost along the way . . .

In our case, it was a cool, windy March day, but afternoon sunlight drenched the barn where the lambing jugs were prepared and freshly bedded with straw. Six (very!) pregnant ewes reclined in the small barnyard adjacent to the sliding doors — close enough to move into a jug at the first sign of labor. Sometime between routine welfare checks, one of our maiden ewes gave birth. We found her hovering over a tiny, wind-chilled lamb, seeming not to know what to make of it all. But she knew it was hers, and the more experienced ewes gathered around her like doting aunties, cheering her on. 

As we scooped up a limp, five-pound, cold and wet ram lamb, our hearts sank at his physical condition. We moved the lamb and ewe into a jug and under a thermal light, dried him, warmed him, and got him sternal and able to hold up his head. We fed him rounds of colostrum (he was too tiny and frail to nurse) and were pleased when a few hours later, he was able to walk and nose around in search of momma's udder. In short, we prayed and did everything we knew how to do in support of this little one we called (Mighty) Max. We were sure he'd grow into his name. He had a strong will to live that stole our hearts. But in a swift and stunning turn, he passed away later that night. We buried him beside the sheep pen where the remaining nine lambs romp and play as I write this. We didn’t want him to be alone. We didn’t want to forget the one we lost . . . although that would be impossible.

You see, there’s a radiance that falls on our farm just before sunset. We call it the golden hour, and it’s my favorite time of the day. The chores are done. The horses and sheep are grazing in the pastures. Free-ranging hens return to the coop and jockey for position on the roosting bar. Everyone is present and accounted for — even those animals we have lost through the years, for in this golden hour, they are all as present to me as lamb’s breath on my cheek.  

As I reflect on this, I can’t help but turn my face to the amber sky and recall the promise of Easter. Jesus was crucified, died, and rose from the dead to ensure that not one of his precious ones would be lost; that all should have eternal life. Are you feeling lost? Do you know someone who is? Our Good Shepherd doesn’t want anyone to be alone or feel forgotten. He searches the world’s parched pastures and shadowed valleys, longing to bring the lost ones back to the flock — longing to bring them back to life. 

We couldn’t do that for Max. But Jesus can — and does — make all things new.

This Easter, in the name of Jesus, take someone who is lost by the hand and show them the Way. And if that someone who is lost is you, grasp the hand of the Good Shepherd, trusting him to lead you as only he can. He knows his sheep (Jn 10:14). He has carved your name on his staff. He cries out for you from the Cross. 

“And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.” ~ John 6:39

The beautiful truth is that Max will never really be lost to us, for we know where to find him... safe in the arms of Jesus, where we too find our present joy and one day, our eternal rest.

Blessed be our Crucified and Risen Lord, now and forever. ✝︎

With Easter love from our farm family to yours. 💚

Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, Carrying them in his bosom, leading the ewes with care. ~Isaiah 40:11