Satisfied Sheep

"The strange thing about sheep is that because of their makeup it is almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met," writes W. Phillip Keller, author of A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.

The Four Requirements:

They must be free of all fear
They must be free from friction with other sheep
They must be free of pests
They must be free from hunger

"The unique aspect of the picture is that it is only the sheepman himself who can provide release from these anxieties."

As a shepherd, what Mr. Keller found to work best to provide an environment where his sheep could lie down and relax was him being present with them. When the sheep were aware of his presence they were unafraid. When the sheep saw him they would forget about all the rivalries amongst themselves. When the sheep drew near to him he would take care of the bugs that were bothering them. And always, he would see to it that they were fed and watered.

As I have been reading Mr. Keller's insights, what continues to impress me is the importance of sheep having a good shepherd! After reading about all that a shepherd does for his sheep, one would think that sheep who do have a good shepherd would not only thank him for his sacrificial care, but would also be sensible enough to follow him as he graciously guides them in his presence. But Mr. Keller found this to not always be the case. He was often surprised by a stubborn sheep who would leave the green pasture for the withering brown grass over the fence, or by an impatient sheep who would stop to drink from a muddy puddle when pure water was just ahead. He found that his happiest sheep where the ones who learned: Only in our shepherd's presence will we be truly satisfied.

As I've been thinking on these things today, what most astounds me is how the Lord Jesus likens me unto a sheep and Himself unto a Good Shepherd. My world is very much one where the pain of fear, relational friction, distracting annoyances, and inner hunger can threaten my ability to rest. However, personally knowing that the eternally Good Shepherd (who has cared for me to the extent of laying down His own life for me) is my shepherd and that I am His sheep, provides release from all these anxieties! Grace doesn't get any more marvelous or amazing than this! Shepherds don't come any better than Him! And as far as pastures go - His are the greenest ones in the world!

Lord, when I think of the sacrifice that Jesus made so I could be a sheep in His pasture, I wonder at such extraordinary love! And when I think of how I often feed and drink on the withered grasses and muddied pools of this world instead of what You work to provide, I am sorry! O that I may follow Your gracious leading today and rest satisfied in Your Presence, O Shepherd of my soul! Amen.