My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. - John 10:27
If you ever have the chance to visit a sheep farm, make sure you go! My experience was fascinating. I watched the adorable wooly sheep casually grazing in a field until it was time for the rancher to herd them toward the barn. Wanting to demonstrate a unique characteristic of these animals, the rancher held out a stick a few inches off the ground across the path of the approaching sheep. The first sheep drew near the stick, jumped over it effortlessly, and continued toward the barn. The second sheep jumped over it as well, as did each that followed. Then the rancher removed the stick as his sheep continued on the path. That’s when an interesting thing happened. Even without a stick across the path, each sheep continued to jump as if the stick were still present. One by one they leapt over the “invisible stick,” blindly following the actions of the sheep in front of them.
There’s a reason the Bible often uses sheep as an analogy for human beings. Like sheep, we can blindly follow the behaviors of others or be swayed by popular opinion without much thought at all. Thankfully, we have a Good Shepherd in Jesus who provides all the direction we need so we are not without guidance in our perspectives and actions. And, like sheep, we can recognize the voice of our Shepherd and follow His leading with confidence.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father in heaven, thank you for being our Shepherd—for watching over us, protecting us and providing the guidance we need to live lives that are honoring to You and good for us. Make us attune to your voice. Help us to listen and to follow as You lead us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.