The Bible
often uses the analogy of us humans being like sheep. For example, Psalm 100:3
says, “It is He who has made us. ... We are His people and the sheep of His
pasture.” And Isaiah writes, “All we like sheep have gone astray” (Isaiah
53:6).
God calls
us sheep because He knows human nature. With our mob instinct, our fears and
timidity, our stubbornness and stupidity, and our rebellious nature, we’re very
similar to sheep. Further, sheep cannot survive on their own. They require
constant attention, rescue and care from the shepherd, or they’ll die.
However,
the important point is not that we are just like sheep, but rather that we have
a wonderful Shepherd. That was David’s thought on Psalm 23: “The Lord is my
shepherd.” It was a bragging point. “Look at who my shepherd is! Look at who’s
in control of my life!” As a shepherd himself, David knew that the quality of
life for any sheep depends on the kind of shepherd who takes care of it.
And Jesus
the Good Shepherd is a great shepherd. He sacrifices for His sheep: He
literally gave His life for us. He knows His sheep: He knows us each individually,
intimately and completely—and loves us anyway! He unites His sheep: To the Good
Shepherd, race, sex, ethnicity and nationality are all unimportant. We are all
His flock. He lives for His sheep: He died, but He rose again, and He will
never abandon us. How can you lose with a Shepherd like that?
And yet,
does abundance describe your life as one of God’s flock? If it does, if you
reflect a satisfaction in life, a real joy in Christ, what an advertisement
that is to follow the Shepherd! Many would line up to follow that Shepherd as
they see the joy of His sheep. But if people hear you constantly complaining
about life, it’s as if you were saying, “Don’t follow my Shepherd, or you’ll
end up just like me.”
Shepherds
often gave names to their sheep based on their personalities. If God were to
give you a nickname on that basis, what would it be? Would it be “Loving” or
“Trusting” or “Hopeful?” Or would it be “Grumpy” or “Wanderer?”
There’s a
secret to being a happy sheep. If you stay at a distance from your Shepherd,
wander around and find your own way, “Happy” won’t be your nickname. Remember,
happiness and safety are directly proportional to proximity. The closer you
live to your Shepherd, the more you will be nourished and cared for by Him, and
safe because of His protection.
If Jesus
Christ is willing to be your Shepherd, why would you settle for anything less?
Accept no substitute for the good, loving and merciful Shepherd.
©2012 Skip Heitzig