Sheep

Today, I was reading Psalm 100. It’s one of the first Bible passages I memorized when I was small, along with Psalm 23. Whereas Psalm 100 is a psalm of unbridled praise, Psalm 23 is about God’s care for His sheep. It’s fascinating to see the correlation between the two. In Psalm 100:2 we have this same image of the shepherd and the sheep: we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Have you ever been around sheep? I live in a region known for its sheep. You see them dotting the hillsides. Sometimes, you’ll even find a flock blocking the road! Sheep are funny animals. They are followers. If one wanders away from the flock, more are swift to follow. They aren’t very bright. Unlike dogs and horses, sheep don’t seem to think much. They are creatures of habit and routine. They’re completely dependent on their shepherd.

We who know the Lord Jesus as our Shepherd are His “sheep.” We hear His voice, follow Him, rejoice in Him, make a joyful noise for Him. We are thankful for His protection, provision, and His leadership. We follow His guidance, and we stay with the flock. We depend on Him to keep us safely inside the sheepfold, where He is the Door. (John 10)

The more I observe sheep, the more I understand about our relationship to the Good Shepherd. He desires our best. He knows all, and He can guide us in the best way. We are totally dependent on Him for our wellbeing. And, it’s for us, His simple-minded sheep, to obediently follow His leadership and praise Him for Who He is.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness:

come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD he is God:

it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:

be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the LORD is good;

his mercy is everlasting;

and his truth endureth to all generations (Psalm 100).