Do you have a shepherd?

Do you have a shepherd? The Bible is full of agricultural images. One of the greatest is the image of sheep and shepherd. We are all like sheep following someone or something. The question is -- Do you have a "good shepherd"?

Most of us are familiar with Psalm 23. Psalm 23:1 begins "The Lord is my shepherd." Jesus picks up on the image of sheep and shepherd in John 10, saying, "I am the good shepherd." (10:11)

You probably have never seen a shepherd up close, but you may have a pretty good idea of a shepherd's job. The shepherd is responsible to take care of the sheep and keep them safe from harm. The shepherd's job is hands-on, 24-7. You can't be a shepherd from a distance; you have to be willing to get involved, and to get your hands dirty. When Jesus compared himself to a shepherd he made a number of interesting comparisons that reveal a lot about our relationship with Jesus. Let's take a look.

1. Jesus points out that sheep listen to the shepherd's voice (10:3-4). I can tell you from working with farm animals, especially horses, that sheep listen to the shepherd's voice because 1) they recognize the shepherd's voice, and 2) they have come to trust the shepherd's voice. The shepherd has spent much time with the sheep to earn this trust.

2. Jesus points out that the shepherd leads the sheep and calls them by name (10:3-4). Most of us have a picture of the shepherd herding the sheep much as cowboys herd cattle on the movie screen. But Judean shepherds would often go out in front and call to the sheep to follow. Real leadership is not manipulation. It is showing someone a better way and call them to step forward.

Jesus personalized the shepherd's role by adding that the shepherd calls the sheep by name. A good shepherd knows his sheep, even by name.

3. Jesus points out that the sheep run from a strange voice (10:5). Not only do the sheep know the shepherd's voice, but they run from a strange voice. Believe it or not animals recognize you or not fairly quickly. They know you by your smell, by your voice, and sometimes by your mannerisms. One of the characteristics of those who follow Jesus is that we are quick to flee other voices. You can't follow multiple shepherds.

A good shepherd not only keeps the sheep safe, he leads the sheep into green pastures, and abundant water. A good shepherd provides life for the sheep. Jesus offers himself to us as the good shepherd. It's up to us to follow his lead and listen to his voice.

I hope you will turn to him as your shepherd. See you Sunday. Tom Ragsdell