Learn what it means to be His sheep and how following the Good Shepherd every morning will strengthen your faith and daily walk with God.
One of the sweetest signs of spring in Lancaster County is the arrival of baby lambs. I have always liked the idea of raising sheep. But it’s a lot of work and really a full-time job. I like the idea of it, not the reality.
Jesus lived in an agricultural society where sheep and lambs were part of everyday life. He used them to teach the people of his time, and he teaches us through them. We can learn a lot from sheep. Sometimes I wonder if he made them to help us better understand ourselves.
Sheep facts
Here’s what I learned about sheep and myself when I visited a friend of mine who owns a flock of sheep on a cold spring morning.
Sheep do not thrive without a shepherd. They get into all kinds of trouble, eat things that hurt them and easily fall prey to other wild animals.
The condition of the sheep is directly related to the shepherd’s care. Sheep need constant care. They fall sick frequently and are constantly troubled by all kinds of pestilence!
They are dumb! One sheep can lead the whole flock astray. They are not equipped to lead themselves. And if one sheep is separated from the flock, it cannot defend itself! If it isn’t brought back to the herd quickly, it will become a big, fluffy snack!
A sheep’s wool grows from the day it is born and continues to grow. It needs to be cut, or
Sheep do not naturally roll on their backs like other animals. If they do, they fall down, and this is fatal, because they have no way to right themselves!
Sheep need constant care, and a good shepherd knows that he is responsible for each sheep and knows what they need. This can only be done if the shepherd maintains constant, close contact with each sheep of his flock.
Even though sheep graze for about 7 hours a day, they eat most of their food early, early in the morning!
I thought it was so sweet that my friend’s sheep ran to her when she called them! Sweet and very biblical! I went home from my visit with my friend and her sheep and lambs, dirty and overwhelmed by how many things sheep can say about me!
Our spiritual food
When we think of Jesus as our Good Shepherd we can draw many comparisons between the sheep and ourselves. It is not surprising that he often spoke of sheep. They are a lot like us.
Of all the things I noted, one stuck with me the most.
Sheep eat early in the morning.
That simple truth speaks volumes. Sheep know when they need nourishment the most. And we do too.
I am not talking about physical food. I’m thinking about spiritual food. Time at the beginning of the day in God’s word feeds the soul and prepares the heart for what lies ahead. It strengthens, stabilizes and helps me stand firm.
Jesus himself set this example.
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and left the house to a secluded place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35
The Good Shepherd took time to visit his father. He had people to care for, guide and gather. He needed the strength and connection of that time.
And as His sheep, you and I must follow Him. If we are his, do we recognize his voice? Do we answer when He calls?
His voice is alive and present in the Word of God. He is there every morning, ready to guide, comfort and lead. There is nourishment waiting, wisdom waiting, and peace waiting.
Starting the day with it changes everything.
Words to live by
Here’s a verse you might want to think about this week…
You know that God is God: He made us, and not of us. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3
Happy Sunday!
