If you are on social media, you may have taken one of those personality tests that compares you to a specific kind of animal based on the answers that you gave to their questions. If you have, do you remember what your animal is/was? Perhaps you were compared to a mighty lion, a majestic eagle, or even a playful otter. I have taken a couple of those tests, myself. Once I was honored to receive an owl – which was pretty neat. The next time, I was looking forward to getting something similar, but instead of an owl, or another reputable animal, I was compared to a toad!! Talk about a slice of humble pie with a side of frog legs. You know, the Bible says that we are all most like “sheep.” I will trust God’s Word’s analysis far more than a silly social media test.

To be called a sheep is not particularly ego boosting. In fact, the term “sheeple” has been coined to bring the idea that so many people blindly follow without an ounce of skepticism. While that term is certainly insulting – it does capture a deep truth about humanity.
You see, when we are discussing what the most intelligent animal on Earth is, sheep are never on the list! They are notoriously dim witted. If they are not being watched closely they may consume deadly herbs. When they panic, they are just as likely to run head-long into danger as they are away from it. That is even more trouble for sheep because it was given no nature weapons to defend itself. Shepherds are a must if sheep are to survive and thrive.
So, if we are like sheep – then God is like a shepherd. That is the main thrust of the twenty-third Psalm. In those verses, King David, Himself a former shepherd shows that God faithfully tends to our needs. The primary meaning of “shepherd” is to feed, tend, to lead, to pasture. In order to do all of that – the Shepherd needs to be “up close and personal” to the flock. Otherwise, he would never be so aware of His flocks’ needs. Furthermore, the Shepherd is also the protector of the Sheep, which is why He carries a staff and a rod to fend off predators and to protect the sheep from itself.
What is the job description of the sheep? Theirs is simply to trust the shepherd and follow His guidance. They look to Him to provide for all of their needs.
Yet, even so, sometimes sheep will stray from the flock and from the protective care of the Shepherd. Sometimes we may stray from the Lord – our Good Shepherd. We decide to go our own way, we disrespect Him and we show a lack of trust. It is also a display of pride – thinking that we can find a better way than where He would lead us. When we stray, we open ourselves to unnecessary danger and though we may not intend to – others could be led astray by our unfaithful example.
So, stay close to the Shepherd. Humbly accept His guidance and someday soon, He will guide us into His eternal pasture!

To be called a sheep is not particularly ego boosting.  In fact, the term “sheeple” has been coined to bring the idea that so many people blindly follow without an ounce of skepticism.  While that term is certainly insulting – it does capture a deep truth about humanity.

You see, when we are discussing what the most intelligent animal on Earth is, sheep are never on the list!  They are notoriously dim witted.  If they are not being watched closely they may consume deadly herbs.  When they panic, they are just as likely to run head-long into danger as they are away from it.  That is even more trouble for sheep because it was given no nature weapons to defend itself.  Shepherds are a must if sheep are to survive and thrive. 

So, if we are like sheep – then God is like a shepherd.  That is the main thrust of the twenty-third Psalm.  In those verses, King David, Himself a former shepherd shows that God faithfully tends to our needs.  The primary meaning of “shepherd” is to feed, tend, to lead, to pasture.  In order to do all of that – the Shepherd needs to be “up close and personal” to the flock.  Otherwise, he would never be so aware of His flocks’ needs.  Furthermore, the Shepherd is also the protector of the Sheep, which is why He carries a staff and a rod to fend off predators and to protect the sheep from itself. 

What is the job description of the sheep?  Theirs is simply to trust the shepherd and follow His guidance.  They look to Him to provide for all of their needs. 

Yet, even so, sometimes sheep will stray from the flock and from the protective care of the Shepherd.  Sometimes we may stray from the Lord – our Good Shepherd.  We decide to go our own way, we disrespect Him and we show a lack of trust.  It is also a display of pride – thinking that we can find a better way than where He would lead us.  When we stray, we open ourselves to unnecessary danger and though we may not intend to – others could be led astray by our unfaithful example. 

So, stay close to the Shepherd.  Humbly accept His guidance and someday soon, He will guide us into His eternal pasture!