Sheep And The Shepherd

by HJS

Have you spent much time around sheep? Little lambs are cuddly and cute, but the full-grown sheep are something else - smelly, obstinate, bull-headed pieces of mutton on four legs.

Of all creatures God ever created, sheep are among the least intelligent, The size of their brain in proportion to the rest of their body is quite small. Yet that is the image to which God's children are likened. "We are His people and the sheep of His pasture," says Psalm 100:3

The more you ponder the similarities between sheep and people, the more you recognize how meaningful the parallels are.

Sheep will follow almost anything that moves - a human, another sheep, even black sheep who lead them astray. Likewise, many people shut off their brain and get involved in cults, unhealthy relationships and business scams. We wonder if their brain went out their ears for a drink of water and didn't come back. 

It's the relationship of the shepherd to the flock that insures their safety, well-being and happiness. "I am the good shepherd," Jesus told His followers. His intention was to find the lost sheep, lead them to the green pastures of heaven, bring them to the still waters of cleansing and refreshment and ultimately give them the joy of everlasting life.

The most important thing the shepherd does is to come looking for the lost sheep and lead them back to safety. If you find yourself identifying with one who has wandered far from the fold, lift up your soul and cry, "Lord, here I am! Be my shepherd and lead me home." He will come.

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep...   Hebrews 13:20