Everyone knows
when I am outside because I am greeted with great fanfare by the animals I
tend. I am welcomed with the rather loud quaking of the ducks, the chickens
flock to my feet from where ever they may be out in the fields. I swear
sometimes they have a lookout that clues everyone in with a secret signal. It's
an amazing sight to behold as nearly 100 chickens come from seemingly every
direction at a moment’s notice, to arrive at my feet. Of course I reward their
attention with several scoops of scratch, and then go about my day. They
happily scratch and peck the grain until it's gone and then go about their day
as well, laying eggs and continue foraging in the fields.
The next stop on
my agenda is to let the goats out of the night enclosure and lead them out into
the wooded area to find foliage for them to eat. This time of year the foraging
is a bit slim as the underbrush has been depleted from the drought
and browsing all summer. They have cleaned out most of the leaves,
vines and brambles within their reach as well. It is necessary for me
to bend the smaller trees over so they can eat the leaves from the tree tops. I
usually spend a few hours out with them in the mornings and they forage
through the grass in the pasture during the afternoons unassisted.
There is something
so peaceful and tranquil about being out there with them in the early morning
hours. I was out with them this morning and I realized what it must be like for
Jesus as our shepherd as he watches over us here on earth.
The goats are a
bit flighty. When spooked they run for their lives back to the inner enclosure, it's
their safe zone. If I am with them they instead run to me, looking up to see if
I run or stand still. When I stand still they know they are safe, I become
their safe zone, and they settle down quickly. Sometimes we get worried or
confused, when we run to our shepherd he is our safe zone, he tells us not to
worry in his word. He says that he will provide for us like he does the animals
in the fields, for we are much more valuable to him than they. Much like a
shepherd he takes care of our needs. In the economic crash of 2008, businesses
all around town where going under one by one, I was very concerned we would
follow suit. But he blessed me and took care to provide for my needs, one day
at a time, the jobs came in, barely enough to scrape by, but my basic needs
were met. I was thankful for his provision and his mercy.
I know my goats
very well as individuals, I can tell if something’s wrong with them with only a
glance. Each has their own personalities and mannerisms. I know each of their
voices as they call out and answer them back. If they are out and I cannot see
them I only need to call them and they answer back. If I call them again they
come to me no matter where they maybe. They trust if I call them it is for a
reason and they come. If one of them wanders too far or is left alone by the herd they panic and call out. I answer them and call them so they find their way home, then I take them to find the others. They rely on me to care for them and to guide them to safety or back to the herd. Much like Jesus does for us.
Jesus knows each
and every one of our voices and hears our prayers much in the same way. He
knows us as individuals, our personalities and mannerisms. He knows what is
best for us and tries to lead us in the way he knows we should go. We don't
always listen to his voice or his calls to us, because we are easily distracted
with the shiny things of this world. Sometimes he comes looking for us; the
sheep that have wandered away, to lead us back to the flock and to keep us safe
from harm. We also need to be part of the flock, we need others to support us with fellowship and understanding. We
all face the same battles and have the same enemies of sin, temptation and
trials. We can learn from each other and provide encouragement. It is
a lot easier to walk with God when we stand together giving moral
support to each other when we are tempted, to gather strength from others when
we are too weak and tried to resist on our own.
We all need to
look to the shepherd; The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He
makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet
waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the path of righteousness, for
his names sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in
the presence of my enemies, You have anointed my head with
oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all
the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:1-6
If we follow the
Lord all the days of our life we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I
encourage all to lean on our shepherd, for he truly does what he say he will
do. He speaks truth to all who will listen; he will call to all who believe in
him. Be still and listen for his voice, as he listens for ours in prayer.
Do you ever wonder
why God announced the birth of his son to the shepherds in the
field first? Could it be they were the only ones listening?
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