Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Isaiah is on a roll, the words pouring forth like the outburst of a song. He is caught up in the vision of the coming one, the one who will save Israel and Isaiah’s people. He knows the situation of God’s Israel, how they have gone into idolatry and forgot the basics of being God’s chosen ones. His ‘all we’ is pretty widespread whether he intends to condemn every single person or not. Usually, there is a remnant, even if it was just eight as in Noah’s day. But the point is made.

From king to servant, and even the prophets have strayed off of the proper way. Without a shepherd to lead or a dog to guide, sheep tend to wander around. The poem about Lil’ Bo Peep is not too accurate. Sheep tend to get lost and stay lost. That is why we find the story Jesus tells about the ninety and nine so meaningful. Sad, even the sheep who stray, stray from each other.

And what about the coming one? He will pay the cost of that straying. He will bear the harm of our turning to our own way. The burden of the strayed sheep are placed on the Messiah, who will pay it and return the sheep to safety.

Task for Today: Do you have a shepherd, friend? Are you collected with the flock because of him, or are you strayed from the sheepfold? Too long from the safety of the flock and your straying could turn into being lost and unable to find your way home. Hear the call of the shepherd today. Return to His fold, where you will find safety and salvation.