THE SHEEP

THE SHEEP

John 10: 1-14

Perhaps the most popular metaphor for the Christian is that of a sheep.  Jesus calls himself the good shepherd and his followers the sheep.  The sheep is one of the most meek and gentle among animals.  It is dependent on the shepherd for guidance, feeding, shelter and protection.  It is easy to lead unlike a goat.  One preacher once said that “if you want to lead ten sheep, all you need is one man with a rope.  Catch one and the others would follow.  But if you want to lead ten goats, you need ten men with ten ropes”!  Sheep are wont to flock together.  They have affinity with the shepherd.  They know and obey his voice.  They provide milk and clothing (wool) for the shepherd.

Christians should understand the life of a sheep to be able to live as expected of them by the Lord.  As sheep, our first responsibility is to follow the shepherd.  We must depend on Him totally – for guidance, protection provision etc.  We must be intimate with him.  We must know and obey his voice.  And when demands are made for our milk and wool, we must be ready to release for the use of the shepherd.

As sheep, the Christian must know that he dwells in the midst of wolves (unbelievers).  Yet he must be meek and harmless.  This requires great wisdom which can only come from God.  Therefore, the believer must pray constantly and seek direction from the shepherd through the Word of God.

When a sheep goes astray, it causes trauma and extra trouble for the shepherd.  He takes stock in the evening and discovers one missing.  He won’t wait till the following morning before looking for the stray sheep.  No.  He would go out that same night, tracing the routes taken during the day to locate the lost sheep.  Until he founds it, the shepherd would not be at peace.  Can you imagine the heart-ache, the trauma and the extra effort/trouble caused by that single sheep?  Meanwhile the sheep left behind would be exposed to danger until the shepherd returns.  This is what you cause metaphorically when you decide to go astray.  Stop being a stray sheep.  Stay within the sheepfold and the shepherd will watch over you.  You will grow safe and prosper with the flock.

MEDITATION:  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep; and am known of mine.  John 10:14