Are We His Sheep?

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14

Growing up in a big Midwest city, I only l knew about sheep from my grandma who lived in a very small town outside the city. We visited often, and I loved seeing and touching all the animals, especially the lambs. The lambs, and her dog, Tippy, were the first things I would run to when we got there. Looking back, it was the quiet peace that I think I really gravitated to.

As years unfolded and I became a believer of Jesus Christ, I saw that sheep were mentioned in the Bible many times. Some were for sacrifice, some a product of wealth to be bought and sold. Sometimes the human race was associated with being like sheep. God even referred to His people as sheep. So, what do we really know about sheep?

There are many varieties of sheep, and, just like the human population, they have great memories to remember other sheep and humans. They have very impressive cognitive abilities and, just like humans, they form deep and lasting bonds with each other. They stick up for one another in fights, and they grieve when they lose a friend. They experience all of the same emotions that we do including fear, joy, boredom, anger and happiness.

Mom sheep have a deep bond with their babies and recognize them by their bleating when they wander too far. God is our great shepherd, and He knows our cries when we wander off too far. Sheep are followers like many of us—sometimes we follow the wrong person or job or status, and become lost or confused. Sheep are sometimes not very smart, like us. They can just blindly follow the one ahead of them which is leading down a bad path; if one jumps and drown.

Isaiah 53:6 says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

There were times in my life that I followed the crowd or the job or the status looking for something, but was amazed to find that the path was not the one I needed to be on. Frustrated and confused, I would try on my own to find the new path, only to follow another road that led to nowhere. When I found Jesus, He set me on His path. This path was at many times bumpy, long, winding, and difficult to travel, but I knew that God was on this same path with me. He would be the One I followed and no matter the road, His presence was all I needed to make it through. I knew He would never lead me into waters or over cliffs that he had not chosen and prepared for me. I knew I would be able to swim or traverse the cliff safely.

Psalms 119:176 says, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments.” 

If you are trying to choose your path and you’re ending up alone, confused or lost, why not turn to Jesus? He hears your cries just as the mama sheep hears the bleats of her lamb. He will come and he will rescue you right where you are. Safety is a prayer away. Don’t wait for your next stumble—call to the One who can save.

Father God, You are the best shepherd; You know us so well, and You know each of us by our own cry. Please come now and save us from the ill-fated paths of life, and place us on Your path that leads to victory in you. Amen!