Silly as a sheep

John 10:14-16 NLT

"I Am the Good Shepherd; I know My own sheep, and they know Me, [15] just as My Father knows Me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice My Life for the sheep. [16] I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to My Voice, and there will be one flock with one Shepherd.

Sheep aren't the most intelligent of creatures - that's why the phrase was coined "silly as a sheep!"

Sheep tend to follow one another, but they certainly know their shepherd - even in these modern times where the shepherd no longer lives with the sheep 24/7.

Many times I've watched when the farmer turns up with his truck to the gate of the field - they all come running, bah-ing loudly.

Thankfully, Jesus boldly calls Himself the Good Shepherd and boasts that He KNOWS His sheep.

Even though the flock is large John 10:3 states that Jesus calls them by name.

Wow how amazing is that - the Lord of all glory knows me and calls me by my name....

Our dog isn't the most obedient of creatures. Sometimes when we call him he completely ignores us. Then we have to go and grab his collar in order to bring him to us.

Yes, he hears, he knows our voice, but other sniffs and smells are more alluring so he deliberately snubs us.

Aren't we like that when Jesus calls us?

To my shame I admit that He has to "grab my collar" many times when I'm deceived or distracted.

Thankfully by the Holy Spirit I do know His Voice and want to follow Him.

I'm so glad that He loves me enough to pull me back to Him when I wander away.

He still leaves the 99 and goes after the lost sheep and I'm one of them.

Just last night he grabbed my collar about something I said and pulled me back to His heart.

Luke 15:4-7 NKJV

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? [5] And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. [6] And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' [7] I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.