“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way;” People are just like sheep. They have a mob mentality where they fol¬low blindly the person in front of them even at their own peril. At many churches they form cliques where they exclude new comers from their circle of friends. Yes, we like sheep have gone astray and have a desperate need for the good Shepherd.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” It is interesting to reflect on this statement of Jesus. Jesus’ stepfather was a carpenter. So naturally Jesus would have been taught the trade of his father. To our knowledge he never held the tools of a shepherd, a rod or a staff, in his hands or cared for sheep out in the wilderness. So Jesus confirms through the power of the Holy Spirit that people (we) are all like sheep, lost, misguided without a shepherd to care for us.
The world is not going to become a better place to live as more and more people become followers of Jesus Christ. I wish that were true, but recent massacres, senseless acts of terrorism prove to us that the world is in a downward spiral. Jesus warned us of this truth before he walked to the cross on the Calvary escarpment.
People are just like sheep, we are basically selfish, stupid and live life in carelessness and abandon. We never take the time to rest but are always in search of greener pastures. Our lives are so busy we invented fast food, take out and food delivery services. Instead of passing by the still waters in search of fresh, clean water we flock to stagnant watering holes where all the other sheep have gathered.
The world is being conditioned through violence to become numb to the horror that comes along with hate. Our movies are getting more and more violent, video games allow you to rape, murder and steal. Society is being bombarded by sex and obscenities and we wonder why people are killing each other? Laws and legislation will never correct the evil ways that are constantly on man’s minds.
It is at this point it should be clear that “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way;” We are all like sheep and are in desperate need of a shepherd. People will never change. We are lost and horribly ridden with the disease of sin. Without the Good Shepherd’s care and gift of restoration we are doomed for destruction.
The great shepherd-king David once wrote about all these things. He proclaimed the Lord is my shepherd. He knew all mighty God was the One who was caring for him. He knew the omnipotent Father was powerful enough to hold his soul in the palm of His hand. He knew the omniscient Father knew everything about him and was ready to direct his paths in righteousness if he would only allow Him.
Jesus once said “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.”
The world needs Jesus. Not Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius or any other religious prophet. The world needs the love of God. We need to follow the Good Shepherd where He is leading the ones who hear His voice. His sheep hear Him and follow Him. They know His voice and will follow no other. He was first speaking to the nation of Israel but makes it clear that there were other sheep that He had come for.
So don’t blindly follow any religious leader. Ask the Heavenly Father and He will guide you in the truth. He is the only True Shepherd that we should follow. It is not about church membership, being part of the choir or how many people you talk to door to door that counts. God does not want your religion but rather a relationship with Him and to love others.
So how do I find greener pastures? How do I keep from drinking out of polluted water holes? How do I keep fear from paralyzing me when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death? First, accept that you are a sheep who has gone astray and turned away from God who is the Good Shepherd. Then start lying down for a rest in green pastures where you can read God’s word, pray to Him and allow His gentle voice to comfort you. It is all about the relationship.
