Animal husbandry (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. John 10:16 (NIV)
Growing up I recall how exotic and exciting it felt to visit another church when the family traveled out of town. Being shy I hated that part of the service when we were asked to stand up to be oggled and often tried to imagine that if I held very still I wouldn’t be seen, or noticed, I know not likely when the rest of the family stood, but I couldn’t be blamed for trying.
The older I got my feelings about standing out in church never quite felt right, so regardless of where I went, no matter the looks or elbows from friends with whom I attended, I did not and to this day do not stand. While I might walk around and shake a few hands, I refuse to stand up and stand out. You see, I realized that no matter where I went, surrounded by other believers, should have been home. The text this morning reminded me that standing out in a flock is not a necessary requirement. My Shepherd, Jesus knows my name, pedigree, and even the number of hairs on my head (before and after they are cut). As a Christian I believe it is imperative when in the presence of other visiting sheep, to envelop them gently and prayerfully. Our posture of attentive, active listening to the Sheperd’s voice is an example in and of itself. There are amongst us daily sheep not really looking for flocks, yet the attention and love of the Shepherd wraps them in a love that bids them to stay.
Making His praise glorious!
Ree
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Related articles
- The first job of the shepherd: protect the flock (pjcockrell.wordpress.com)
- “Jesus had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (worryisuseless.wordpress.com)
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