ORIGINALLY POSTED IN 2015

To most of us, sheep don’t seem especially smart.  In fact, they move in herds, because if they’re left alone, they’ll surely stray and walk straight into a dangerous situation.  We’re often led as sheep to the slaughter by those who would deceive and mislead us.  I won’t get into politics here, but we’ve grown to be a nation of sheep in many ways.

We may think of sheep as cute and cuddly, but they get tangled in barbed wire, get dirty and their wool can grow out of control. They’re bothered by pesky insects which requires the shepherd to anoint their heads with oil. Many consider them stupid beasts with no sense of direction. Thus, they need a leader – someone to guide them through treacherous terrain – to show them the way to lush valleys and cool water.

Shepherds, on the other hand, were not considered to be especially honored citizens. They would work their herd of sheep for days at a time. They didn’t smell especially good. They became fuzzy themselves with long beards and matted hair. When they did return home, they were faced with critical remarks and bullying. They loved their sheep. They would stand in the way of danger for them and might face death to protect them. Jesus called Himself the good shepherd who loved his flock. He, in fact, did give His life for all of them.

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples,

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew10:16. 

This was said to prepare them for the persecution they would face in spreading His good news. We also need to be prepared to defend our faith at times.  The only sure defense is the Word which God gave us.  The words of the Bible are direct guidance from Him for our lives.  He remains our shepherd in life and leads us to the green pastures of eternity.  We can count on it because He is the Good Shepherd.

“I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb,”by Henrietta L. von Hayn, 1724-1782

I am Jesus’ little lamb,
Ever glad at heart I am;
For my Shepherd gently guides me,
Knows my need, and well provides me,
Loves me every day the same,
Even calls me by my name.

Day by day, at home, away,
Jesus is my Staff and Stay.
When I hunger, Jesus feeds me,
Into pleasant pastures leads me;
When I thirst, He bids me go
Where the quiet waters flow.

Who so happy as I am,
Even now the Shepherd’s lamb?
And when my short life is ended,
By His angel host attended,
He shall fold me to His breast,
There within His arms to rest.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR YOUR GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION.