After living in a rural setting for most of my life, I can attest that I have witnessed just about every creature wandering in the middle of the road. We have plowed into two deer, tons of ground hogs, raccoons, and possums. We have dodged a gaggle of geese and weaved around innumerable chipmunks, squirrels, stray cats, and field mice. We have even experienced a turkey through our windshield! Our car brakes have been tested several times in an attempt to avoid a dreaded and dastardly skunk and our travel plans have even been delayed while allowing a herd of cows to cross over into a neighboring field. But what I witnessed today was a first, for there, stranded in the middle of the road, were five extremely confused sheep who had wandered aimlessly into a dangerous situation. My heart was filled with sadness for these helpless creatures. Most animals will dash for the sidelines, but not these guys, they simply gazed at each other as if to say, Okay guys, what do we do now?
Our neighbors raise sheep for a living, and they have several grazing fields fenced off to protect their investment. I’ve made these observations concerning those woolly creatures. First, they eat constantly; we have never passed them when they weren’t busy munching or chewing on something. Secondly, sheep are known for their intense flocking instinct, they run from what frightens them and band together in large groups. They are also great followers, when one sheep is on the move, the rest will follow, even if it doesn’t seem to be a good idea. I recently read a story of over 400 sheep plunging to their death in eastern Turkey as one strong-willed critter tried to cross a 15-meter deep ravine, and everyone blindly followed, and died. But most of all, sheep have a well-deserved reputation for a propensity to wander.
It is little wonder that Scripture choose sheep to characterize us. As Jesus ministered on earth, preaching and “healing every sickness and every disease among the people,” He revealed His heart of love “when he saw the multitudes.” We are told that He “was moved with compassion,” He was grieved in His innermost being. He felt deep sympathy and His soul was filled with pity for they “fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” What love! He came to “lay down his life” for His wandering creations; He yearns to be their “good shepherd,” to lead them to “green pastures.” How His heart must break when His love is rejected, His leadership dismissed. Oh, that our hearts would share His compassion for a lost world of wandering sheep.
John 15:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Lord, thank You for being that Good Shepherd in my life. Help me to be a submissive little lamb, always following my Shepherd’s guidance.