The world may say that you should be a goat rather than a sheep (a stupid follower), but I revel in being a sheep, because I have the most loving, most powerful Shepherd looking after me.
Jesus used the analogy of Him being a shepherd to His sheep (us!) often, as it was familiar to people at the time. It's less familiar to us now living in this modern world, so we may need to reflect on what a shepherd does for his sheep a little more.
A sheep doesn't have much in the way of natural defences - ie. no sharp claws or teeth or venom, and if living in the days before farming, fences, and fewer wild animals, relied on a shepherd for safety. A good shepherd will lead his sheep to good grazing areas for food, and to fresh water, and he will protect the sheep from wild animals that try to harm it. For example, David was a shepherd, and this is what he said about protecting the sheep under his care:
"Your servant [ie. David] used to keep his father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth;" (1 Samuel 17:34-35)
This is still what Jesus (the Good Shepherd) does for us (His sheep) today - He nourishes us both spiritually and physically and protects us from all harm.
The popular Psalm 23 describes the above beautifully. Although you may be very familiar with the words, it is a short, powerful prayer that is worth reading and reflecting over slowly. The Psalm is in blue, with my comments in-between:
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
[I am a sheep and the Lord is my shepherd. He is so good to me because He provides everything that I WANT in life - not just what I need. I shall never go without because He is my provider.]
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
[My shepherd will lead me to all the good places, and direct me to the good things in life (for a sheep, green pastures are good places full of food), all I have to do is just relax and follow Him. I don't have to worry or be stressed. (A sheep who is not afraid of being attacked by wild animals can lie down.)]
He leads me beside the still waters.
[My shepherd will provide me with water so I will never be thirsty. The waters are still and peaceful, and I can relax and not worry.]
He restores my soul.
[My shepherd cares for my spiritual needs, too. He has repaired my broken and sinful spirit. He looks after me completely.]
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
[I follow Him trustingly; He directs me on the right path.]
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
[I never have to be afraid of evil or of anything or anyone, for the Lord is always with me. He protects me from all evil and from anything that wishes to attack me. (A shepherd carries a staff as a weapon against wild animals.)]
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil.
My cup runs over.
[Yes, I may have enemies in life, but the Lord is always with me and even prepares good things for me in their presence. The Lord will provide, and I will have good things, so much in fact that my cup is not big enough to hold all the blessings, even in the midst of troubles.]
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
[Wherever I go in my life, goodness and mercy shall be on my tail, hunting me down and following me - I can never escape from the Lord's goodness and mercy! The Lord has a place for me in His house right now, and forever!]
