If you happened to be at the crib service last year you will
have noted that shepherding sheep is not easy!
To have a better understanding of today’s passage, it’s
worth noting that ancient eastern shepherding was very different to our concept
today. Then, a shepherd’s flock would
often have been pastured within a mixed owned flock and so when the shepherd
went to the gate and called his sheep they actually recognised their own
shepherd’s voice and came out from the rest of the flock, to follow him. Shepherds in those times did not have dogs to
chivvy or harass, rather he would go ahead of his flock ensuring safe passage
as his sheep followed closely, listening to his guiding voice to prevent them
falling into ravines or getting snatched away by wild animals. The sheep were generally kept for wool, not
meat, so a long term relationship would have been fostered. It’s easier to then
understand the comparison between Jesus our shepherd and us as his flock. He calls us by name into relationship with
him. He offers to lead us in life,
having gone before us – even through death.
He offers us sacrificial protection from those out to harm us, offering
love and enjoyment in life – now and for eternity. His relationship with us is a pointer to the
Father’s relationship with him.
Response
We want to be people
who can discern the shepherd’s voice within our noisy world. Being in step with
his word, his Spirit and discerning with wise believers will help us hear that
voice. Let’s pray this for today.
Victoria
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