A rock is launched by a mischievous passerby like a missile into a field of grazing sheep.  Though the rock lands safely, and poses no direct threat to the sheep, they panic.  Now startled, one sheep heads for the hills; the others quickly follow suit.  Enter the mob instincts of sheep.  People are no different.  The mob instinct presents itself in humans, too.  We, like sheep, tend toward fearfulness whenever we are suddenly stirred or caught off guard.  When panic strikes, we are apt to follow the lead of those closest to us, even if the path of escape leads us into more danger.  So, what’s a wiser sheep to do?

A wise sheep stays close to his shepherd and listens for his instruction, especially in times of uncertainty.  Jesus, the Good Shepherd, confirmed this, saying, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27.  Direction from Jesus is available to us 24-7.  We just need to ask for it and believe that it will be given to us.

James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”  Jesus never finds our questions that arise in anxious moments to be stupid or silly.  To the contrary, He welcomes them and desires to answer them.  Isn’t this is a trait of a Shepherd who loves His sheep and has their best interests at heart?

Fighting the mob instinct within us is not always easy.  But, in simply pausing to consider what Jesus has to say about a given situation, our spirits will be quieted and our footsteps will be directed toward a place of greater peace and safety.  The Psalmist David affirmed Jesus has both the ability and willingness to do this for us, declaring, “He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”  Psalm 23: 2-3.

Perhaps one of the reasons sheep are so prone to mob behavior is because they routinely raise their heads when grazing to assess the movements of other sheep in the flock.  Their eyes constantly consider what others are doing, and they respond accordingly.  We behave similarly.  We strive to be in the know…and in the flow…of others around us.  But, wouldn’t we be better served by fixing our eyes upon Jesus, not only our Shepherd, but also the author and finisher of our faith?  If we did so, when the next projectile came flying through the field, we sheep would know just what to do…and where to go!

Sidebar:

One of my favorite authors on the commonalities between sheep and human behavior is W. Phillip Keller.  He was both a pastor and former Middle-eastern shepherd. I encourage you to read his book,  A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.  See https://www.christianbook.com/shepherd-looks-psalm-mass-market-edition/w-keller/9780310274414/pd/74414?product_redirect=1&Ntt=74414&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP.

 

 

 

I find myself yearning for more peace in this chaotic pasture of life, don’t you? Peace of mind…peace of soul…peace of heart.  Finding it largely depends upon the healthiness of my mental appetite.  Scripture encourages me to feed on “whatever is true…noble, and right, ” on whatever is pure…lovely, and admirable…” Philippians 4:8. The findings on this menu sustain and encourage me.  Because of this, I’ve determined to graze upward!!!

Want to graze with me? This blog was created to be a quieted pasture of sorts—a place where we can meet to chew upon Scripture and ponder its application to daily living—a place where we can muse through quotes…anecdotes…images…poetry…songs, etc….all aimed at bringing calmness to our meanderings.   As you wander about, feel free to comment on whatever appears.  I simply ask that you treat the sheep in this field with kindness and respect—no butting heads/behaving baaa-dly!