SHEEP

Time with Jesus - Wed. 19th December 2012

Hi all,

Five of today’s Scriptures refer to sheep. The Shepherd is included as their protector. Being called a sheep doesn’t do much for my ego. To be truthful, it’s downright degrading. But is we stop and think for a few moments we are drawn to the conclusion that His assessment is fair. That’s what we are like as a species. It’s today’s meditation.

Blessings,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Wednesday, 19 December 2012			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
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INTRODUCTION			DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	SHEEP
Generally speaking, homo sapiens are vain. At one time, this criticism was aimed primarily at the female of the species. The comment was, “Vanity, thy name is woman.” Actually, this is a misquotation. Originally it came from Hamlet and was, “Frailty, thy name is woman.” It seems to have “morphed” from the one to the other with little resistance from men or women. No doubt the reason is that both genders tend to see the opposite gender as more vain than they are. There was a time I would have said it was particularly true of women. Now I’m not so sure. I get the impression that in the vanity stakes, men and women are very much “neck and neck”. Whichever case is true, the fact remains that as a species, we are disgustingly vain. We find this in the names we select for our sports clubs. We speak of the Lions, the Sharks and the Pumas etc. Our national rugby squad is the Springboks. No prizes for identifying the Kiwis, the Wallabies and the Swallows. These are the animals and birds with which we like to identify. I’ve never come across a team called the Goldfish or the Guppies. We like things which are strong, or powerful or particularly dexterous. Somehow these images appeal to our values. You would think God would take this into consideration, when describing us collectively, as an animal or bird. Tigers or Eagles would be more in line with our opinions. Not God! He calls us sheep! I’m not a farmer and my knowledge of sheep is a bit “woolly”. But being called a sheep is decidedly “infradig”. We see them as “stupid” animals. They have no teeth and no claws. By way of teeth, they have what is best described as “grinders”. They seem to be willing to be pushed around and constantly need looking after. They scatter at the least sign of danger. Very often they will run after each other, even if this means going over the edge of a cliff. Not exactly an animal to admire and with which we would like to identify. But I suppose God knows best. So if He says we are like sheep, it must be true. If you look at us as though we are animals, it’s clear He is right. I recall one book describing us as “naked apes”. We are more or less defenceless. No teeth for slashing and tearing. We are hardly strong enough to defend ourselves from an attack by other animals. We are not well equipped for hunting or running away. Perhaps it would be true to say, “Frailty, thy name is homo sapiens”! The only advantage we have over other creatures is the ability to think and reason. Mind you, compared to God, I suppose we are stupid! We do have one advantage over all the other creatures. We are loved and valued by God. So if He wants to call me a sheep, all I can say is “bah”! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. Isaiah 40:11 NLT 32 Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way." Matthew 15:32 ESV 15 We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all - all but the sin. Hebrews 4:15 MSG 13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering Him. 14 When Jesus saw what was happening, He was angry with His disciples. He said to them, "Let the children come to Me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." 16 Then He took the children in His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 NLT 176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten Your commands. Psalms 119:176 NLT 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost." Luke 19:10 NLT 25 You were like sheep who were wandering away. But now you have returned to the Shepherd. He is the Leader of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25 NIrV 32 Don't be afraid, little flock. Your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 GW 15 I will take care of my sheep and lead them to rest, declares the Almighty LORD. Ezekiel 34:15 GW	Of all the animals to choose, God calls His people sheep. It’s not a word I care to use. In fact it makes me weep. Sheep really are so stupid. They do not seem to think. They get a fright and scatter as quick as we can blink. It only takes just one of them and they’re all running scared. And from my observation, that’s why we are compared, With creatures of that nature. We jump and we take flight, The instant that we are aware, that something isn’t right. Sheep are defenceless creatures. They have no teeth or claws. They only have those “grinders” located in their jaws. We’re not exactly powerful. Not one of us is strong. We do not have the stamina to fight for very long. To keep them warm in winter, sheep have a furry coat. But you and I have nothing; so chances are remote, We could survive the winter, without the clothes we wear. We have no outer covering of warm protective hair! Their mouths have been located, a bit too near their nose. So if the water’s choppy, they’ll get drowned I suppose. We have the self-same problem. We have to use a cup, Or similar utensils, if we desire to sup. Sheep graze in the meadows; it’s grass they chiefly eat. But we have got to cook our food; particularly meat! They cannot choose their pasture. The shepherd shows them where. They’re totally dependent upon the shepherd’s care. People are no different. We all would go awry, Unless we have a Shepherd Who constantly stands by. So though it is offensive, The Lord has got it right. We are just like a flock of sheep in God the Father’s sight. We’re totally dependent on Him for everything. In summer and in autumn; in winter and in spring. So many of us wander. We look for nourishment. We look for the provision that He alone has sent. When we are lost, He looks for us. He searches high and low. There are not any places to which He will not go. And when at last He finds us, He seldom wants to chide. He takes us in His loving arms and asks, “Why did you hide?” But I’m so glad I found you. You’re Mine and Mine alone. I will take good care of you. Come on, I’ll take you home.” Jim Strickland  Written 19th December 2012