Safely Graze

  Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.    – Psalm 100:3

In both the Old and New Testaments, sheep are often used as a metaphor for the people of God. You may once have been told that sheep are stupid and blind. That may stem from the necessity healthy sheep have for a caring shepherd. But that accreditation is actually derogatory. The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) says sheep are clever. They can “recognize up to 50 other sheep faces and remember them for two years” even at different ages and angles. They also recognize human faces, especially of a caregiver. The organization says sheep are emotionally complex and have the ability to “feel afraid, angry, bored, sad, and happy.” They are capable of optimism, pessimism, and empathy. The Brockswood Animal Sanctuary says sheep are not blind. Their peripheral vision is especially acute. “In fact, they can see behind themselves without even turning their heads!” 

One commentator suggests that sheep are smart enough to understand they can’t go it alone, and happily rely on a shepherd to lead them. As one of the Lord’s beloved sheep, with Him as your Shepherd, you have divine provision—you lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10). You have Divine guidance –in the paths of righteousness (Psalm 23:3). And you are covered by Divine protection (Psalm 5:11-12). 

In his cantata written in 1713, Johann Sebastian Bach includes these words by Salomon Franck, “Sheep may safely graze where a good shepherd watches over them.” You have a Good Shepherd. As you reflect on today’s psalm, be glad, sing to the Lord, serve Him, know Him, worship with praise, and bless His Name. Be contented and joyful in your complete reliance upon the Lord… and be thankful!