Shepherded

 May 1, 2020

Shepherded

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.  But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” John 10: 3-5

 

Every once in a while I question the analogy of being called a sheep. I’m not so certain they are very smart, or wise. In fact, I think they’re VERY “not smart”. I think being called one a is a way to describe the vast difference in judgment and wisdom between God and we humans. (I think I’m definitely going for that)

 

And I also understand the greater purpose for this scripture is to describe the nature of the relationship between God and humans. We “hear” God’s voice leading us and we immediately know the difference between God’s leading and an imposter’s leading.

 

Really?

 

I’ve heard people (and I know you have as well) speak and act with deep conviction what I know can NOT to be the leading of God. The scripture says, “they will never follow a stranger.” Frighteningly often I cringe observing someone else diving deep into a way of speaking or acting which is a “stranger’s” way.

 

How so? Why?

 

We all “feel” strongly. Anxiety and loss of control over what we think is an absolute view of truth can allow us to be overtaken by another person’s passion or their conviction. We can also be “used” to suit the needs of someone else too.

 

There’s a way to look at all things. We can and should put principles before personalities; principle before someone else’s conviction and charisma, and, principle before our own personality. How does my opinion stand up against love and honesty?

 

Jesus, while he was/is a strong, charismatic person he always spoke from the heart of principle.

 

There are times I do not want to follow his voice. And that alternative is because I want or am selfish to make something about me. I want to be in control, something that just doesn’t have staying power.

 

We have powers, we really do. We have the power to go against God. But in doing so, our actions then have the depth of a piece of paper and the breadth of a fleeting thought.

 

“Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love he sought me. And on his shoulder gently laid, And home rejoicing brought me.” -hymn, “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”, Henry Baker

 

Rev. Ken