BLACK SHEEP
There is a special painting of Jesus holding
a black lamb with care,
So tenderly in His arms, there is a deep love
and kindness shown there.
Now by the law of Moses that black lamb could
not be used for pascal sacrifice,
Counted blemished and imperfect although inwardly
free from evil and vice.
Just as good or maybe better than the white sheep
that dwell together in the fold,
Yet because the lamb was different it was counted marred,
or so for years all were told.
The thought has filtered down to now for we may say,
he’s the black sheep in the family,
It was not his fault his coat was not pure white,
But we have our agency,
So to compare a willful sinner to that poor black sheep
does nor seem fair to me.
Then seeing again the picture of the Master, the black
lamb holding with care, tenderly,
Tells me He loves the sinner and will hold and
heal his life through,
We are all sinners and have been the black sheep
and have needed to review
Our lives and repent, but remember the outside doesn’t
matter, it’s what’s within,
For He will hold us in His arms with love, for His
sacrifice helps us overcome sin.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson 12 March 2004