Sheep And Shepherds
Psalm 23:1 –
‘The Lord is MY shepherd’
‘The Lord is my shepherd’... implies I am his sheep.
Of all the illustrations David could use to describe his relationship with the Lord why shepherd and sheep? Honestly, it doesn't paint me or you in the best light (my apologies to any fans of sheep for the rant that follows)
Sheep are Dumb! They can't be trained and don't do tricks. They wander off and get themselves in all sorts of predicaments. If you've ever driven through the countryside you'll know that, despite endless acres to live it up in, they always somehow find themselves in the middle of the road!
Sheep are Defenceless! They don't have fangs or claws to protect themselves. They aren't fast, agile, nor nimble to evade predators. They pose a threat to nobody and nothing.... except maybe grass.
Sheep are Dirty! Where birds have baths and bears bathe in rivers, sheep don't and can't. With their absorbent coats, if they try to wash, they often drown under the weight of their wool. They get dirty and stay dirty.
I rest my case.
Could David not have thought of a better metaphor? After all, he was a warrior, a king, and a poet. I have a few suggestions for Ole Dave...
‘The Lord is my commander and I his warrior’
‘The Lord is my maestro and I his minstrel’
‘The Lord is my King and I his ambassador’
Much better, right? People applaud warriors when they show up, listen to minstrels when they sing, and stand at attention when ambassadors speak. No one cares about sheep... no one except the shepherd. Maybe that's the point?!
I can't always relate to warriors or maestros, or ambassadors... but I can relate to the sheep. I too have made my fair share of dumb decisions. I too have felt defenceless against the things life throws at me. I too have felt dirty and ashamed; unable to 'right my wrongs'.
Would the same be true for you? If so, It's ok. There is an invitation today to come to Jesus just as you are. Why? He's a shepherd who loves, cares for, and lays down his life for you, his sheep.
Prayer – Thank you that you love me despite me. Help me come to you honestly today. For where I've made mistakes and gone my own way, forgive me. For where I feel defenceless and overwhelmed by life, protect me. Be my shepherd.