FOLLOW

Day 23 - Monday, Marcy 23, 2020

Scripture

John 10:1-4

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

Comments & Reflections

Jesus as shepherd is one of the most enduring and welcoming images of God. What has gotten lost in our post-agricultural society is the nature of sheep. A specific quality that sheds light on this analogy of Jesus, sheep are followers by nature. They have a strong urge to flock together, and when a leader of the flock moves, the rest just follow along without complaint or question.

So that got me wondering. Does Jesus’ analogy lose its power of the imagery when we try to think of it in the modern age? After all, the flocking/following nature of sheep doesn’t seem to line up with current human behavior. We tend praise and give worth to independence of thinking. We value and uphold our individual freedom of movement (not withstanding our present circumstances.)  Does that mean we are no longer sheep?

I did some research, and I discovered one quality of sheep that recaptures the analogy. Absent a natural predator, the flocking/following nature of sheep is greatly diminished. If they don’t sense a long term and persistent threat, their gathering instinct starts to fade away over time. They are much more prone to wander away on their own, and resist being herded back to safety.

I’m not sure if those traits make sheep like people, or the other way around. However, I am sure that Jesus knew this analogy would withstand the test of time. So for us, maybe the point is return to our agricultural roots and learn to be better sheep and do a better job of following our shepherd.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we know that you watch over us. The beginning of this week finds us isolated in our homes, but still skittish in our anxiety. Calm our fears. Lead us, and invite us to (once again) follow you. Amen.

Keep the Faith!