The Flock

Last time, we looked at God as Yahweh Roi--Our Shepherd--and the many blessings we have as members of his flock. Comparing ourselves to a flock of sheep may not be a comforting thought because, let's face it, sheep have a reputation for being dumb, meek and completely helpless creatures. Not exactly the list of qualities that we men aspire to, is it?

Sheep, by nature, are followers. There is a true story about an entire flock of sheep that was lost at sea because a ram jumped overboard and the rest of the sheep foolishly followed and ultimately drowned. Sheep are also natural wanderers, which makes the job of a shepherd a necessity. They are easy prey for many aggressive animals in the wild and they need to be sheared of their heavy wool coats or they will literally topple over; unable to get up.

Whether we like it or not, we too are often very sheep-like. We foolishly play follow the leader; knowing that the we are being led into destructive behavior. We often wander aimlessly through life and become unaware of the danger around us. And without a Shepherd to protect us, we are easy prey for an enemy who seeks to devour us (1 Peter 5:8).

Thankfully, our Heavenly Father knows us and knows what we need. He allowed his only Son to be the sacrificial lamb to take away our sin. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6-7). The Lamb of God is not a helpless follower, but rather the One that leads us from death into life. For the lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water (Revelation 7:17).