We Need A Shepherd

 Revelation 3:19 "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.  Therefore be zealous and repent."

Jesus had some very harsh things to say to the church at Laodicea.  He sets forth a powerful rebuke telling them they were lukewarm, wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.  Ouch!  The church actually thought they were doing quite well and really weren't lacking in anything.  I'm sure they were shocked by the scolding. In love, Jesus rebuked them that they might recognize their great need and repent.

Sheep are known to be very needy animals.  Sheep can't fend for themselves, they need help finding food and water, they have no natural defense like claws or sharp teeth, they are fearful, dull and get lost easily.  Sheep need a shepherd! Remember Jesus has chosen to refer to us as His sheep and it's not because we are like cute cushy pillows, it's because we are so very needy. 

Jesus rebuked the church at Laodicea because they had forgotten they were sheep and had made themselves independent of the Shepherd's care.  They had become wretched, miserable, poor and blind, because they somehow thought they were self-sufficient. We need to heed Jesus' warning and always remember we are needy sheep and to stay as close as we can to the Shepherd.