The Young Ram – Part Three

Part One

Part Two

The young ram stumbled backwards and his heart jumped into his throat. Immediately ahead of him were a sheep’s worst enemy...wolves...

All thoughts of bravery and grandeur fled as he turned and tried to run away from the predators. He knew that any speed record he held with his fellow sheep would come to naught in a race with the enemy.

Stumbling along, the young ram tried to get his bearings and at least head towards his home while trying to find something...anything...that he could use to help him get away or at least...delay the inevitable.

He heard the wolves snarling and the pounding of their feet against the dirt and rocks of the forest floor as they gave chase...if only...

If only I had stayed with the flock...

If only I had listened to the Shepherd...

If only I could turn back time and do it all over again...

Rounding a group of large rocks that had dead tree limbs thrown haphazardly on top of them, the young ram veered left...and fell into a deep hole or crater of some sort.

It was deep...at least 15 feet or so and about 6 feet across...it was littered with bones, debris, and other things the young ram was too frightened to look at closely. As he tried to get up, sharp pains ripped through his legs and he knew they were broken.

He looked up into the moonlit sky and saw three wolves looking down at him. His body trembled as fear and despair overtook him. The young ram prepared himself to die...

As he closed his eyes in acceptance of his fate, his mind replayed events of his life...

Jumping in fields of new grass with his family and friends...

His mother nuzzling her head against his and reminding him how much she loved him...

And the Shepherd...

oh, the Gentle Shepherd...

always so loving and compassionate...

his Protector and Guardian...

his Shelter and Guide...

the One that would call him by name...

In utter anguish, the young ram cried out...

Conclusion tomorrow...