Sheep are prominent in Scripture. Isaiah wrote, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and YHWH has laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isa 53:6). Jesus warned, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matt 7:15). Jesus called Himself "the good shepherd" (John 10:11). David famously said, "YHWH is my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). Because people need guidance and protection and have a tendency to wander into dangerous places.
Jesus warned that the disciples would scatter. "You will all fall away because of Me this night. For it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'" (Matt 26:31) But He offered some amazing benefits to us as sheep and Him as shepherd. He said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:27-28). Peter referred to the church as "the flock of God" and the elders as "shepherds" who were under "the Chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:1-4) so that "He may exalt you" (1 Peter 5:5-6). There is an intimacy with Christ as His sheep (Isa 40:11; John 10:14) and protection (Psa 23:2-5; John 10:7-10). As a sheep, Jesus is our salvation (Isa 53:7; John 1:29).
Sheep are pretty stupid sometimes, so we think of them as fairly low animals. I think I like the idea of being His sheep. There's protection and provision and even community. There's salvation and intimacy with Christ. Did you know that the reason you even believe is that you're His sheep (John 10:26)? So ... okay ... I'll gladly see myself as one of His flock under His shepherdship, His guiding and guarding and providing hand. I'm happy to feel sheepish in that sense.
3 comments:
It is our hubris that makes us balk at the idea of being sheep. But just as stupid and dependant sheep are on us, we are infinitely more stupid and dependant on God. We're going to have a master, regardless of whether we recognize it or not. I prefer the good one that chose me and has promised to keep me.
The Lamb of God is also the Good Shepherd.
Just thought I'd put that out there.
It strikes me that as you’ve used the term here, “feeling sheepish” is the most positive instance of zoomorphism I can think of, as it draws its encouraging and comforting insights straight from God’s Word. Afterall, the Lord knows His zoological creatures intimately (having instilled a unique balance of strengths and weaknesses in each kind), and He knows us equally well--our inclinations, our weaknesses, and our greatest needs. What a Good Shepherd to love His charges so perfectly that they can relax in contentment, safety, and a comforting sense of belonging. I’m no sheeple, but I trust my Shepherd.
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