(I wrote this about a year and a half ago)
Have you ever pondered why God refers to us- His people- as 'sheep'? Over and over again throughout the Bible lie verses analogizing us to those cute, little wooly creatures. And- If you're like me, you've heard one too many sermons on why there are so many of those verses. Many of those lessons focusing on the fact that we- like our smaller counterparts- are ignorant even downright stupid, in desperate need of someone to lead us. And though I agree we are in desperate need of a kind and
loving Savior to save and guide us.... I think there's more to the story- much more.
The other day as I was preparing dinner, I caught a glimpse of a children's program one of my sons was watching. It was through that show that God began to stir my heart about this whole 'sheep' thing. On the show, a group of children were learning how to herd sheep. The modern-day shepherd was teaching the kids how to approach. The kids had been running toward the animals in an effort to corral them. He explained that sheep are hunted prey and that their natural instinct is to run from anything coming at them. He showed the group that a good shepherd always approaches from behind. He also began to teach the boys and girls about what the candy-cane shaped staff is used for. He explained that
the staff is not for hitting the sheep when they aren't cooperating. He said a shepherd would never do that to his herd. He explained that the staff is used as a pointer- to gently show the sheep the direction in which He is going so they can follow. He added that a shepherd does not raise his voice as that would also cause instinct to creep-in.
So my brain and my spirit began to go into high-gear. Here's the main analogy I saw unfolding before my very eyes: God compares us to sheep so many times because of His love. Our lover again is making it clear that He is there watching over us, leading and guiding us not because we're stupid but because He loves us. And He wants to protect us. As Christians we are hunted prey. The Book of Ephesians makes it clear that we are in a war not of this earthly realm. It's also our natural, self-preserving, sometimes fleshly response that prompts us too to run from potential spiritual harm. That's when our Lover and Lord gently comes behind us and in a soft but reassuring voice reminds us of where He's going and where we should also go to find rest, nourishment and safety. And when we veer off the beaten path, getting a bit too close to crossing the dangerous line of sinful living- He again slips behind us. And when He lifts up His staff, we don't have to cower down in fear, believing He's going to give us that lashing we clearly deserve. Rather, we can run toward our fellow lambs who are scurrying in the right direction.
It was several years ago when I found myself alone, in a heap on the floor, locked in my bedroom bathroom. I was crying out to God in desperation, asking Him to please see me, please hear me, please help me. It was that very minute that my Loving Shepherd pointed me in the direction of this beautiful Scripture verse: "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it." (Is. 30:21) It's also the moment I felt Him steer me from behind to safety with this verse from Isaiah: "He tends His flock like a Shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart..." (40:11a)
No matter where you are, you ARE close to His heart and He longs to lead you to rest, nourishment and safety. And Unlike what many of us have been repeatedly told- maybe we're not compared to sheep in the Bible primarily because of stupidity. Maybe- just maybe- it's because of Jesus' whole life mission and purpose- LOVE.
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