This term “cast sheep” is unknown to most people today, but was well known during Bible times. When a sheep has a thick wool coat, weighing upwards of 75 lbs, and even more if it’s wet, if it stumbles and ends up on its back, it cannot right itself (much like a turtle). It will lie on its back, crying for help till the shepherd comes and flips it upright. A ewe that is very pregnant can also become a cast sheep. The weight of bringing new life into the world can be too much for her to handle on her own.
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want (lack anything). He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He RESTORES my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23)
The Hebrew word for “restore” is “Shuv” pronounced “shoove.” It means to turn, or turn upright, or restore. It is also often used to mean “repent.” Interestingly, one of the names of God is Jehovah El-Ashiyb, “the Lord my Restorer.”
Friends, it’s not a shameful thing to be found feet up, on our backs, needing God to restore us. It doesn’t take much for us to lose our footing and before we know it, we need Him to take hold of us and set us upright on His path. “When I said (cried), “My foot is slipping,” Your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:18-19)
A sheep that stays close to his Shepherd will find restoration comes quickly, as the Shepherd hears every cry. But the independent wanderer can find themselves cast all alone for long periods of time. May we purpose to stay near His voice, and allow Him to “Lead us beside still waters.”
If restoration is what you’re longing for, He has promised to “Restore your weary soul.” Praise His name!
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