The recent sermon was from John 10, where Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd and we His people as sheep. It’s a wonderful passage reminding us of the salvation, protection, and provision we receive from Jesus as we walk with Him.
I found myself curious to learn more about sheep.
- Sheep form relational bonds. They are social animals who enjoy being in a flock with other sheep.
- Sheep are defenseless animals and have no means by which toprotect themselves.
- Sheep have good hearing but poor vision, therefore, often cannot see where they are going. This is the very reason they respond well to voices.
- Sheep have excellent memory. Combine this with the above fact and you have the very reason they can memorize up to fifty human voices.
- Sheep cannot right themselves from certain positions. Left alone, they would die in about one hours time.
- Sheep are nervous, timid and easily frightened animals. When fearful, they react and run even if they do not know where they are running.
What is it about this creature which makes us so much alike, and causes Jesus to call us “sheep”?
- We have a strong desire for a best friend, someone to hear our innermost thoughts and share our burdens.
- We are often defenseless, bearing injuries from circumstances and relationships.
- Many times we, as well, have no idea where we are headed in life. Perhaps we have even wandered aimlessly at times.
- We possess the ability of memory, holding onto both the good and the bad. We even hold onto memories we would have been better off to let go of.
- We can find ourselves in predicaments and positions which we cannot right on our own.
- And who of us, has not been known to run even when we have no idea where we are running?
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;” (Isaiah 40:11, NIV)
We are always close to the Shepherd’s heart for God tenderly cares for both our the needs of His people. He protects the weak and vulnerable from those who would prey on them.
We have a Shepherd who leads us where we will be protected and safe. He will fight for us. Our needs will be provided. He will go before us to lead the way, calling so we will hear His voice. He does not leave us alone but pursues us when we have gone awry. He brings His peace when we are fearful so we will not run amok.
We are in greater need of a shepherd than we ever could realize.
Jesus is our Shepherd and gratefully,
He calls us His sheep.
There probably aren’t many of us who like to wait. It tends to make us feel like we are wasting time or flat out stuck. In her post Waiting is an Action Word HERE, Lisa Brittain may just change your perspective, fill you with encouragement, and help you to patiently wait.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Image by hazelucyxuan from Pixabay
I’m so thankful we have a Good Shepherd to lead us, Joanne! I’m in my second reading of Phillip Keller’s A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, which is an insightful study of Jesus as our Good Shepherd versus alternative shepherds.
That is one of my favorite books! So funny you mentioned it as since Sunday’s sermon and writing this post, I have been thinking it is time to read it once again. I also like his “A Gardener Looks at the Fruit of the Spirit.”
I’m thankful the Bible gives us this analogy of our being like sheep. It’s apt in so many ways! And I am glad we have a loving, kind, patient Shepherd.
Mmm … I see myself in some of those worst sheepish qualities …
I’m teaching through Jesus’s 7 I AM statements and this week I’m studying I am the Door, which also has very strong shepherd/sheep vibes. Thanks for your good thoughts here. I’m looking forward to studying this more!
Joanne, I love the comparison of sheep with us as Christians. What a precious privilege we have to be in intimate fellowship with our Good Shepherd. When we feel most vulnerable, we can be reminded of His great love and care for us as our Shepherd, and that he will never leave us alone.
Love how you contrasted believers with sheep! So true in so many ways …
I’ve always loved the analogy of Jesus as our Good Shepherd and John 10 is one of my favorites – along with Psalm 23, of course.
I like to say I’m a sheeple and I rely on my Shepherd.
Joanne, enjoyed learning more about sheep and how much we are like them as Christ-followers. This especially resonated with me: “We are often defenseless, bearing injuries from circumstances and relationships.” So thankful for the Good Shepherd who tenderly cares for us.
I’m so thankful for our Good Shepherd.
We really are more like sheep than we might want to believe. But thankfully we have a good and faithful Shepherd who cares for and protects us.