It’s no accident the Lord uses sheep to picture Christians (not some other animal like the cow or horse). The behavior of sheep and humans is similar in many ways. Consider: sheep are skittish creatures. The sight of a little puppy running nearby can cause the enter flock to rush off into the pasture in absolute terror. Similarly, we humans are skittish. The uncertainties of life have a way of filling our hearts with fear. Unforeseen troubles that arise (thorny health issues, for example) make us nervous. In all the things that fill us with anxiety, who helps us to maintain our composure? It’s Jesus. Like the presence of a shepherd standing with his flock helps them to feel at ease, so Jesus’ presence in our life (assured us in the Word) helps to dispel our fears.
Another characteristic sheep have: they can’t relax when they’re being bothered by insect pests. Flies and ticks drive them to absolute distraction. That is why the caring shepherd takes measures to apply insect repellent to their fleece. Similarly, there are pests that swarm around us. We’re bugged by life's petty frustrations. We’re made to fret by uncomfortable experiences we run into (at home, work, school). Who enables us to settle down in the midst of life’s uncertainties? It’s Jesus. He brings us healing, comfort, and relief in the face of our pesky frustrations by assuring us: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Another trait sheep possess: they’re restless critters when hungry. A sheep who hasn’t been fed is a sheep always on the move, searching for a mouthful of forage to assuage their hunger. That is why caring shepherds expend time and energy to provide their sheep with good pasture. They clear the rough and rocky ground, plow and prepare the soil, plant special grains, irrigate and cultivate crops from which their flock will derive nourishment. So Jesus does for us. He comes to us in love and uses His Word to clear our hearts of the rocks of stony unbelief. He prepares our hearts for the sowing of the Gospel by revealing our sin-guilt. He waters our hearts with the rain of the Gospel providing us with the refreshment of His forgiveness and the promise of our eventual entrance into His heavenly sheepfold
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds In a believer's ear!
It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds, And drives away all fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole And calms the heart’s unrest;
'Tis manna to the hungry soul And to the weary, rest.
O Jesus, Shepherd, Guardian, Friend, My Prophet, Priest, and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, Accept the praise I bring.
(Christian Worship, 364:1-2, 5) |
