Optimist Roundtable
By Martha Sykes
Probably one of the most familiar passages of scripture is the 23rd Psalm. Of course, this particular chapter in the Bible refers to sheep or shepherds. God is our Shepherd. We are God’s sheep.
Sheep were very important to the agricultural lives of the ancient Hebrews. Undoubtedly, that is why sheep are mentioned more than 500 times in the Bible. That’s more than any other animal is mentioned.
For King David, who was the author of much of the book of Psalms, used the metaphor of the sheep and the shepherd as a way for us to think of our relationship with God. This is probably because as a young Shepherd, he had many vivid memories of this life before he became a warrior and a king.
The prophet Isaiah also referred to sheep as he wrote these words, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way.”
Over the years, we have heard a lot about sheep, especially things like they are feeble minded animals or that they are apt to follow along with the herd. But if we take the time to learn about sheep, we would realize that being a good sheep that sticks with its flock and tries to remain close to the shepherd, requires some of the same qualities that are essential to being disciple or a true follower of Jesus Christ. And like a disciple, the sheep benefits from belonging to the flock like being safe, being guided, nourished, corralled and being cared for.
It takes the work of the Holy Spirit to mold us into the right kind of sheep to follow Jesus. In the gospel of John, Jesus reminds His people that “ My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Our shepherd knows us, but do we listen to His voice? Many of us would probably agree that most of us are better talkers when it comes to our devotions, but yet we are poor listeners.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows us by name. We are to listen for His voice and follow Him; knowing that He will provide for every need. And nothing will separate us from His love. This is the promise our shepherd gives to his sheep.
