Sheep
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. – John 10:27
In his growing up years, my husband raised sheep. When we were first married, we visited his parents, and I found myself
doing something I had never dreamed I would do: wrestling with sheep! I helped hold them still while they were administered shots, or while my husband
clipped their hooves. The amazing part was that I actually enjoyed it. It was a new experience for me, and I found it quite exciting!
Through this, I got a bit of an education about sheep. For instance, contrary to what some folks may think, they are not just mindless creatures. If they
do not want to do something, they can actually be quite stubborn. I never imagined sheep would be like this! My husband’s sheep recognized his voice,
and they knew him and trusted him. If a stranger came around, they would keep their distance; they could tell the difference. They were cautious, and
their trust had to be won.
As Christians, Jesus is our Shepherd. He knows us by name. He knows our personalities, and our struggles. Like sheep, we are cautious about who we place
our trust in, especially these days. Yet, by the great sacrifice He made for us on Calvary, Jesus has earned the right to have our trust. He gave His
own life so that we could spend eternity with Him; He will not lead us astray on our way there!
We may not always like everything we have to face on our way to Heaven. I am certain my husband’s sheep did not enjoy getting their shots or having their
hooves clipped, but it was necessary for the sake of their health. Jesus knows what is necessary for our spiritual health and growth, and He is always
looking out for our best interest. He is someone we can put our trust in, and follow Him wherever He leads.