Of Sheep and Shepherds

With our families having spent most of our lives living in town or suburban areas, sheep did not figure very highly in our lives.  However, when driving around elsewhere, especially with young children, our own and often their friends, they were always up for a game of sheep 'spotting'.

"Look, sheep!" was often the cry, as we saw them in fields, or on hillsides, such as those in N Wales.

This became so ingrained that once I cried out "Sheep!", only to realise, to my embarrassment, that there were only adults in the car! Did I feel sheepish!

Why do we feel so 'attached' to sheep? Is it because of their apparent helplessness or their "cuteness"?... and why do God and Jesus refer to us as sheep?

A trawl through the index of any reference bible reveals many mentions of sheep and of shepherds, from Genesis to Revelation.  When Jacob (aka Israel) blessed Joseph, he referred to "The God who has been my shepherd all of my life, to this day".

Jacob later adds, while blessing Joseph again and prophesying Joseph's attributes, "because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel".

Moses, appealing to the Lord for a successor, asked for "A man over this community who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord's people will not be like sheep without a shepherd". Joshua was that man appointed by the Lord!

David was distressed when he realised, he was living in a palace while the ark of God remained in a tent. So, God sent Nathan the prophet, who assured David that the Lord was with him and that he should do "Whatever you have in mind".

Nathan released God’s word to David, "Did I ever say to any of (Israel's) leaders, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” Now I will make your name great, your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever".

This elicited David's prayer of thanks to God for the promise that God gave him. "I will build a house for you".

We are all familiar with David's "Good Shepherd" Psalm 23, (written around 1000BC). David espoused the many ways in which he saw the Lord working in his life, with insights from his own life as a shepherd.

In Psalm 28, David invokes a blessing on Israel as he asked God, “to be their shepherd and carry them forever".

A psalm of Asaph, Psalm 80, appeals to God to "Hear us O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock".

We certainly know that all shepherds are not good! Some would-be shepherds have only their own interests at heart, which seems to be ever more evident in our own day.  Even biblically, from early times, the culture of sheep and shepherds was used sometimes deceptively, as in the "cat and mouse" shenanigans between Jacob and Laban recorded in Genesis chapters 25 to 43.

Jesus warned against false prophets coming in sheep's clothing.  He called them ferocious wolves, adding that they would be recognised by their bad fruit.

He addressed in detail within John's gospel account, the attributes of a good shepherd.  Jesus tells us how his own sheep will not follow a false shepherd, as they will not recognise his voice.

Incidentally, I read an article on Google which said that sheep can learn to recognise up to as many 50 different human faces (though more generally 10 or so) of those regularly in contact with them!  This speaks volumes for keeping in contact with Jesus and His Word with regular prayer and bible reading, so we will be able to recognise his voice in our lives.

Jesus affirms that He is the only way in.  He is the gate for the sheep, who comes to give us life to the full.  He is the only one who gave His life, in obedience to His father.  Thank you, Jesus, thank you God!

In John 10:14 Jesus tells the Jews that He is the Good Shepherd. He knows his sheep and His sheep know Him. Jesus also discloses that He has "Other sheep, not of this pen" and that their shall* be one flock and one shepherd.

* In the UK the word 'shall' indicates a legal requirement to do what is written, for example, in electrical installations, to protect from electric shock, fire, etc.

Hebrews 13:20-21 refers to "Our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep" to equip his people with "everything good for doing His will".

Many years ago, I sought the help of a well-respected spiritual advisor with reference to a very deep, hurtful situation within my own family.  This was the only time I can remember coming to tears of anger and frustration as an adult. However, the answer from the advisor was not what I expected…He said, “There is no way back!"  That was the bad news!  But God!!

I was very disappointed to say the least, thinking all was lost.  However, I decided that I was not giving up on the situation!  Prayer 'warfare' was put in over a lengthy period, not a quick fix by any means. The end result was a complete turnaround of the situation!

Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, used a 'misguided' shepherd to provoke me.  I appealed directly to Jesus for the restoration of the situation, which still holds good to this day!

When Peter addressed the "Elders and young men" he appealed to them to be willing shepherds of God's flock.  He said that "when the Chief Shepherd appears you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away".

Finally, in Revelation 7:17 one of the elders told John of "those who have come out of the great tribulation.  They have washed their robes and made them white through the blood of the Lamb.” This "Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water and God will wipe every tear from their eyes"

A prayer: Thank you Father for Jesus, our Saviour, who throughout your word is seeking hearts that seek yours. Thank you that you stoop down to give us the picture of the Good Shepherd, who you sent to search for me and for my family member. Thank you that the Creator of the universe longs for our company and wants my heart more than my worship. 

Jesus, I desire to know you more!  I choose to seek your heart, to respond to the love you first extended to me. Amen.

Hallelujah! Be encouraged!

Biblical references: Genesis 48:15 and 49:24. Numbers 27:17.   2 Samuel 7:7.   1 Kings 22:17.   Psalm 23, Psalm 28:9 and Psalm 80.   Isaiah 40:11.   Jeremiah 31:10.   Ezekiel 34:5 and 34:12.   Zechariah 11:7, 11: 9 and 13:7.   Matthew 2:6, 9:36 and 26:31.   John 10:11, 10:14 and 10:16.   Hebrews 13:20.   1 Peter 5:4 and Revelation 7:17.