This summer, my family decided to host a petting zoo for my niece and nephew’s joint birthday party. Our entire crew rarely gets to celebrate together, so we all chipped in for what we hoped would be a good old-fashioned family memory.
We kept the petting zoo a surprise. Uncle Dave closed the blinds so the kids wouldn’t see the truck pulling into my parents’ driveway, complete with a trailer hitch full of animals. After setting up a small octagon made of portable fencing, the petting zoo operator began to unload the animals from the truck one by one. We all walked outside, and as predicted, the kids lost their minds. There was a cow, a goat, a donkey, an alpaca, and at last, a white wooly sheep. The sheep was not on a lead, and upon seeing the crowd of screaming children, turned and bolted down the street. Chaos ensued—picture half a dozen grown adults chasing a scared animal through a residential neighborhood. The petting zoo guy looked bored and a bit annoyed. Not with the animal, but with us. Once we calmed down, he easily called the sheep back to his side and into the makeshift corral. The sheep was not to blame. Terrified, it had done what its instincts led it to do. The problem was, the sheep’s instincts only sent it further into danger.
Oh, how I am like that sheep.
In John 10, Jesus gently paints a picture for his disciples of what it means to be led by the Good Shepherd. He is not bored or annoyed with His work, guiding helpless creatures to safety. He is wholly invested, ready to lay down His life if danger presents itself. He is not running after us with anxiety, but He calls us to His side with the distinct, loving timbre of His voice. He is the doorway and the one leading us through it. He protects us, keeps us in, and feeds us, leading us out. The picture He paints is not a scene of confusion but of peace. The scripture says He knows us by name (John 10:3) and that He doesn’t run away when there is danger, but steps in front, shielding us and taking every blow.
Many people today do not live in an agrarian society. I do not know the intimate details of caring for skittish sheep. I rarely have a chance to witness firsthand how a sheep’s instincts can lead it astray. But I know my own heart. I know how seductive the world can be. I know that my warped instincts often lead me further into the heart of sin when all I want is to hear the Lord’s voice.
Today, I pray that we will slow down and listen for the still, calm sound of our Shepherd’s voice. That we will turn away from the chaos of the world and look deep into the steady gaze of His Word. Jesus Himself tells us the truth: He knows us by name, He leads us and guides us, and He lays down His life and takes it back up. To this, some said, “He’s crazy” (v.20). But to those who know their own hearts and who long for a Good Shepherd, these words are the very source of life.
My church has been studying John together for the last year or so. I have learned quite a bit about sheep through it. Sheep, apparently, are completely helpless and dependent upon their shepherd. They will wander off into danger if not contained. Even if there are multiple flocks in one enclosure, the sheep from each flock can recognize the voice of THEIR shepherd (I thought that little nugget was pretty cool). We humans are definitely like those sheep. We do not know what is best for ourselves, even if we like to think we do, and we cannot do anything apart from God, our Shepherd.
Maricella and others with older / grown kids praying for you. Brooke P , my sister so good to see your post and I hope your appointment went well.
I posted about this same issue maybe 1-2 weeks ago. I deleted my accounts on Monday and decided to send out a monthly email newsletter to some family and friends sharing pictures and life updates —- so I still have the ability to share and stay connected with a few but removed the anxiety, ads, and darkness of SM. It’s a hard decision, but I hope it’ll be fruitful as others on this app who are further in their journey have shared. Good luck with your decision ❤️
Loved the devotional today. Read this and then the Psalm 139 in my own reading for today. So calming. Stop and listen for the voice of the Shepherd. Thank you Lord for your calming voice.
I usually wonder why the Scriptures would use the sheep to compare us to, besides the fact that culturally sheep were common cattle in Israel. Sheep, to me, are gullible, defenseless and innocent and they specifically can pick up the voice of their shepherd like no others. Yet, the Bible also told us to be shrewd/wise as a snake and innocent as doves. This is a multifaceted character that the Bible calls God’s children to develop. Being shrewd here is clearly not to manipulate/trick/deceive like a snake, but being clever, wise, extra calculated in our steps, discerning to the smallest details, cautious to analyze and prepare. Someone used to share with me that a snake will study his prey for 6 hours before attacking. That is some real effort and patience that a snake has I’d say.
Lana – this is my heart prayer as well
“But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”- John 10: 26-29
He greater than all… sin, death, hell, demons, men, sickness, all…. everything!!!!
Praise the Lord!
Jesus is our true shepherd! If we follow anyone else.. we will be misled! Let’s give our hearts to Jesus only! Let’s be on fire for Him