“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
I sat in my car watching a herd of sheep. I wanted to learn about them because the Bible often speaks of sheep, goats, and wolves. Having grown up in the city, I knew little about such animals.
Sheep flock together with their heads down while eating, allowing them to see little of anything but grass. They move together with their teeth constantly moving like hedge clippers. After a while, I saw two sheep stray and unintentionally separate from the flock. My mind started making connections with Bible stories about lost sheep, good shepherds, and wolves.
Joining observation with research, I found that sheep are good animals (givers). They are not only good, they’re good for something such as providing people with milk, food, and clothing. They are clean animals, and often used as sacrifices in Biblical times.
Sheep have no weapons to attack others with, or even defend themselves. They do best in a flock (the Church), and being led by a good shepherd (Jesus Christ). Biblically, sheep are those who belong to God, and are under the care and leadership of the Good Shepherd. He leads them. They know His voice, and they follow Him.
Wolves (takers) are very different. They are wild and fierce predators. They scatter flocks and kill sheep. Among wolves, the Bible counts false teachers, enemies of the flock, and rulers (the rich and powerful) that prey upon helpless others.
We must ask ourselves if we are sheep or wolves. In nature, it is impossible for a wolf to become a sheep, but in Christ, it happens frequently. The Apostle Paul was such a person. What kind of person are you?
Dr. Robert Wilkerson is a minister, writer, and founder of People for the Christian Way, an organization whose mission is to encourage all people to practice Christian principles in business, politics, and every area of life. drbobwilkerson@bellsouth.net, www.people-for-the-christian-way.org
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
I sat in my car watching a herd of sheep. I wanted to learn about them because the Bible often speaks of sheep, goats, and wolves. Having grown up in the city, I knew little about such animals.
Sheep flock together with their heads down while eating, allowing them to see little of anything but grass. They move together with their teeth constantly moving like hedge clippers. After a while, I saw two sheep stray and unintentionally separate from the flock. My mind started making connections with Bible stories about lost sheep, good shepherds, and wolves.
Joining observation with research, I found that sheep are good animals (givers). They are not only good, they’re good for something such as providing people with milk, food, and clothing. They are clean animals, and often used as sacrifices in Biblical times.
Sheep have no weapons to attack others with, or even defend themselves. They do best in a flock (the Church), and being led by a good shepherd (Jesus Christ). Biblically, sheep are those who belong to God, and are under the care and leadership of the Good Shepherd. He leads them. They know His voice, and they follow Him.
Wolves (takers) are very different. They are wild and fierce predators. They scatter flocks and kill sheep. Among wolves, the Bible counts false teachers, enemies of the flock, and rulers (the rich and powerful) that prey upon helpless others.
We must ask ourselves if we are sheep or wolves. In nature, it is impossible for a wolf to become a sheep, but in Christ, it happens frequently. The Apostle Paul was such a person. What kind of person are you?
Dr. Robert Wilkerson is a minister, writer, and founder of People for the Christian Way, an organization whose mission is to encourage all people to practice Christian principles in business, politics, and every area of life. drbobwilkerson@bellsouth.net, www.people-for-the-christian-way.org
