***
Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd. We are his sheep. But why must we be sheep? Why not something mighty like a lion or a gorilla?
Imagine Jesus saying, “I am the Good Gorilla, or the Good Lion. You are my cubs.” Sounds better than sheep.
***
Sheep are defenseless. They have no claws, no paws, no fangs, no venom. When a wolf comes along looking for his next snack, sheep have no way of defending themselves.
They literally run around in a big circle, hoping they are not the one eaten!
Can you imagine these poor animals thinking, “Catch him! Catch her! Just don’t catch me!” That furry frenzy reminds me a bit of musical chairs.
Cowardice at its best.
Sheep need a shepherd, because only he can defend them.
Therefore, we need Jesus.
He is our shepherd, our protection against the wickedness and snares of evil.
***
We all know that feeling of being overwhelmed like a sheep under attack. Flustered. Afraid.
So what threatens me? What makes me run around circles like a sheep without a shepherd?
***
It may be that heavy weight bills that pile up, a negative turn in our health, a death in the family, or dryness in prayer.
Whatever the case may be, Jesus is clear. “Don’t run around in circles. Run to me.”