Sheep, not Wolves!

A few days back, while reading my Open Heavens devotional titled “Who do you belong to?”, I came across John 10:27. One thing I love about the bible is the fact that each time you read it, you get a new revelation. While reading John 10:27, NKJV: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me, I was reminded of a recent message by Bishop T.D Jakes in which he mentioned that God created us as sheep for a reason, to be fully dependent on Him. As I reflected on this verse and the message, I realised that whenever God described His relationship with us, He referred to us as sheep and to Himself as the Good Shepherd.

When you think about sheep, they are one of the most defenceless animals in the worlds. Why then would God refer to us as sheep, instead of lions or some other strong animal. Even when Jesus was sending out the twelve disciples, He said: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16, NKJV). This tells me that God knew the terrain He was sending us to, and it definitely wasn’t some oasis filled with lush green grass and warm springs. He was sending us out to the jungle were we, His children, would be like prey in the jungle. Why then would He create us that way?

The reason, as earlier mentioned, is so that we can learn to trust and rely on Him. When you have our own strength or defences, do you go out looking for help. Definitely not! But when you’re weak, you’ll always be looking for a strong ally to back you up. This desire to trust and rely on Him, is what helps build the relationship God desires us to have with Him. When you think of the shepherd, their role is to not just lead the sheep, but to also protect the sheep from any danger. In order for them to do this, they need to know their sheep, not just the number of sheep but the unique features of the sheep, to ensure they do not mix them up with another person’s flock. Gal. 5:22-23 gives us insight into the features of the flock we should belong to. The sheep on the other hand, also needs to know the shepherd (in looks and voice), so it doesn’t go the wrong way and end up getting lost or dead.

From this, you can see that it is all about a relationship in which we learn to trust and obey God. If truly we belong to God, we would learn to rely on Him and draw closer to Him, no matter the situation we face. In Psalm 23:1, we refer to God as our shepherd, the One who provides for us. In Is. 40:11 and Eze. 34:30-31, Jesus in turn refers to us as His sheep, and as His sheep, it is His duty to ensure we never lose our way, even if it means laying down His life to protect us (John 10:10-11 & 15). When we are conscious of this relationship, and acknowledge God as our Shepherd, we have all the protection we need. No matter the situation we face, because we belong to God, we will always come out of it victorious and better. We do not have to fight the battle, because God is fighting the battle on our behalf (II Chr.20:17). Trust and rely on the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ!

Photo cred: Biblia by Faithlife