Sunday, June 27: Sheep, to feed or not to feed...

Do you find it interesting that in Bible analogy, Jesus is the Shepherd and we are the sheep? Sheep are not the most intelligent of animals. Look at the way that sheep meander when grazing, from one grass clump to another without looking up. They are so focused on the continuous feeding of their bellies that they can get lost easily. Additionally, we know the way they defend themselves. If a wolf finds its way into the herd, even if all the sheep unite together, the wolf won’t leave until his stomach is full. Better make sure that the sheep aren’t near a cliff, for in their game of follow-the-leader, there’s going to be more sheep guts at the bottom of that cliff than in a tennis string factory! Water is another protective concern, as if those thick, woolen coats are submerged, the sheep will often drown as they become too heavy to stay afloat. Have you ever wondered why a sheep in water won’t shrink like a wool sweater when it is washed? Here’s some food for thought: the sheep might produce useful wool, but they are either food for wolves or food for people. One way or another, they are going to be eaten! The truth is, without a shepherd, those sheep are wolf snacks!

A dead cow or sheep lying in a pasture is recognized as carrion. The same sort of a carcass dressed and hung up in a butcher's stall passes as food. --John Harvey Kellogg, who invented Kellogg’s cornflakes

Certainly, sheep need a shepherd, and as Isaiah the prophet said, “All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned everyone to his own way.” We need to follow a Shepherd who will protect us and get us back on the right path!


“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.
John 10:11-16

If we follow Jesus, our Shepherd, we never will get lost. Additionally, the Lord has given the gift of teaching to His followers through the Holy Spirit. Though some might have stronger gifts of teaching, we are all teachers. Pastors are to provide spiritual food for those under their care, and protect the flock. Emulating Jesus, pastors are to lead in a godly manner. Also, each Christian father is supposed to be the spiritual leader of his family, teaching his wife and his children. Yet each of us will find ourselves in situations where we are to instruct others in God’s Word and in God’s ways.

“Shepherds do not produce sheep. Sheep produce sheep,” said Earl Radmacher, former president of the Western Conservative Baptist Seminary.

There’s nothing I like more than a great meal, but isn’t it just as rewarding to prepare a wonderful meal for someone else? Make sure that you are feeding others, rather than just getting fed. Don’t forget, fat sheep can’t run fast enough to evade predators and they make the most plentiful meals!


And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.
Mark 6:34