In a large fenced-in pasture a flock of sheep lived together. They lived in peace until some vicious wild dogs found their way into the pasture and began to harass them.
The dogs killed several of the sheep and one old ewe was so badly bitten and crippled that only with great difficulty could she walk. Just at this point someone arrived and drove the dogs away.
Sometime later the dogs returned, and poor Cauliflower appeared to be an easy target for their attack. Unable to defend herself and with her leg badly crippled, she had no chance of escape. Her owner lived too far away to look after her, so her case seemed hopeless.
However, in the same pasture there was a big strong donkey named Bray. Bray befriended poor lame Cauliflower, and the two would often be seen grazing side by side.
When the dogs attacked again, all of the sheep ran for their lives except Cauliflower. She could not run away fast enough to escape the dogs, so what do you think she did? She limped over to her friend Bray, and got as close to him as she could.
The dogs headed straight for her, but Bray put himself in between them. Before the vicious beasts could get close enough to bite Cauliflower, Bray lashed out at them with his sharp hooves. It mattered not what direction the dogs tried to attack from; Bray was always there. If any dog ventured too close, a powerful kick from the donkey sent him sprawling end over end.
Time after time the dogs returned to the attack, and all of those sheep who tried to run away were eventually killed. Only Cauliflower survived. She relied on her friend’s strength instead of her own, and he proved to be a faithful defender. The two animals lived together for many years; and never did Bray ever let the dogs harm Cauliflower.
Dear young friends, we too have a dangerous enemy. Satan is the enemy of our souls, and he would like to bring us down to death and destruction. But the Lord Jesus came into this world to save us. He died on the cross to deliver us from Satan’s power and from the judgment of God against our sins.
Those who put their trust in Jesus are His sheep and are the objects of His faithful care forever, for He has said: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” (John 10:27,2827My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:27‑28).)
Even after we know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour and Friend, Satan will still try to harass us. Not one of the Lord’s sheep will ever be lost, but if we stray away from our Shepherd, we will come under Satan’s power in one way or another. We are only safe from his attacks when we keep close to the Lord. May we realize that we are no match for the enemy’s power, but rely on our Saviour’s strength instead of our own. Then we will always have the victory.
ML-05/21/1978