Throughout Scripture, Jesus uses natural wonders to explain supernatural truths. From fruitless figs and buzzing bees to choking weeds and lost sheep, it’s no secret that the Bible is steeped in an agrarian culture.
Now I never used to think about sheep very much. Or shepherds for that matter. But then I met someone who changed all of that. You’ll meet Lynne the Shepherdess in your homework during the online Scouting the Divine Summer Bible Study this week.
Ever since my encounter with Lynne, I’ve read everything I can get my hands on the subject. The Bible contains almost 700 references to sheep, shepherds and flocks. God not only uses these wooly creatures to reveal truths about himself and draw people into a closer relationship with Him.
One of the great mistruths taught in the church is that sheep are dumb. This teaching has almost done more harm to understanding the character of God and who He has created us to be than any other.
Think about that common fallacy: Sheep are dumb.
First, it’s not true. Sheep can be trained much like dogs and other pets using clicker training. Check out this YouTube video.
(RSS Subscribers, click here to view.)
In addition, scientists are discovering sheep’s cognitive and recognition abilities. Check out this article.
Such studies don’t suggest sheep are at the top of the intelligence spectrum among animals, but they are far from the bottom.
Many of the behaviors of sheep—including being timid, being followers, and being fearful—are linked to the way God made sheep. More than anything, sheep are defenseless.
Unlike other animals, they lack razor teeth, they don’t pounce on sharp hooves, or even make aggressive noises. When was the last time baah scared anyone?
The only defense mechanism that God has given the sheep is to live within a flock under the watchful eye of The Good Shepherd.
Sheep are not dumb, they are defenseless.
Why is that so important?
Because if you believe that sheep are dumb than you will read the more than hundreds of references to sheep and flocks throughout the Scripture and think God is saying, “You are dumb. You are dumb. You are dumb.”
Nothing could be further from the truth.
God has called you a holy nation. A royal priesthood. Chosen of God.
You are not dumb. But, yes, you are defenseless.
You and I were created defenseless so that we would know One as our Defender.
That we would turn to God for our protection, for our provision, for our guidance in all things.
You and I were created defenseless so that we would be compassionate toward others who need encouragement, help, and love.
So the next time you hear someone say, “Sheep are dumb,” gently correctly them, “No, sheep are not dumb, they are defenseless created to depend on God in all things.”
What are the areas of your life where you feel defenseless?
Your job.
Your marriage.
Your health.
Your finances.
Your future.
Today, the Good Shepherd invites you to come to Him. He wants to scoop you up in His arms, lead you beside still waters and restore your soul.
In the comment section below, write a prayer describing where you feel most defenseless and confess your need of God as Shepherd.
Bonus homework: Read A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Philip Keller.
Want a Spotify playlist to listen to as you read and study this week? Check this one out.
Lord, I don’t like the word defenseless (or dumb for that matter LOL) – I don’t want to be associated either but I am. Thank you that I can look to you for direction, protection and connection when I’m experiencing the pain of watching a wayward child making empty, wreckless decisions. Thank you for the truths of your grace and mercy in my own life that reside deep in my heart that give me hope for her and the desires you have for her future. Lord she is one of your lost sheep, please, please keep calling her name until she responds and finds her way back to the flock. And if I may be so bold Lord, could I ask you to just go get her and carry her home? She doesn’t know how desperately she needs your tender loving care. Thank you for being a God I can trust and approach when feeling lost in the storm. Amen
**associated with either
Thank you for this study, Margaret.
Father, I feel defenseless with my chronic neck and back pain. I know You are caring for me and guiding me to doctors who are trying to help me feel better. Thank you for this reminder that I am not defenseless because I am Your child and You love and care for me. I praise You, God, for Your love and care. Amen
Oh, Father God, I am defenseless where my husband and children’s faith is concerned. I depend on YOU my Good Shepherd, their Good Shepherd, to lead them and guide them to a life changing experience with YOU. I love You and thank You for Your love and protection and guidance and provisions.
Father God, I am defenseless in my marriage. My prodigal is making poor choices and following the way of the world. I don’t want him back broken, Lord. I want him back whole and only You can do that. Thank you Jesus for this man and his life. I lay him at Your feet. Help me become the wife You want me to be so You can shine through me. Amen
Daddy I feel defenseless in providing for myself. I have ended up homeless too many times doing things my way, I turn to you and trust that you will provide because You are the good shepherd.
God, thank you for making me smart! And thank you for creating me to need YOU! I often feel defenseless against the lies, voice, and attacks of the enemy, but YOU are the one defense I need & have! And you have won the battle already & you won’t stop defending and fighting for me! I am safe in your arms and presence. Always! Thank you for making sure that the good work you started in me gets finished! 🙂 It’s a difficult process, and sometimes you call me to hard stuff, but you are for us! That’s a promise I want to hold on to: you’re for us and you defend us!
Thank you Lord!
Amen 🙂
God, You actually want to scoop me up in Your arms, lead me beside still waters and restore my soul? That takes me by surprise. I rarely think that You want to do that for me. Rather I often feel condemnation (from myself? The enemy?) Thank you for speaking truth, peace and love to me today.
Thank you for this beautiful post!!
A brief heads-up on a typo: “Because if you believe that sheep are DUMP than you will read the more than hundreds of references to sheep and flocks…” (Emphasis added)
Just thought you’d like to know 🙂
dear heavenly father, you know all things and our times are in your hands. please lord make away and help my wife and our family through this troubled times. heal her guide and give her peace, let her always cling to you, our hope and our salvation
Father, I feel defenseless in the area of my husband’s health. Cancer is scary. And even though the doctors tell us things are going well, I still fall prey to fear. Protect me Father from fear. Help me to hang onto your love which casts out fear.
Father,
I know I am defenseless and I know that this is a secure place to be in You. As it says in Habakkuk 3 there are many things that start with “though” in my life. Though I know that there is much more month left at the end of our money this month. Though my new husband and I are sharing an apartment with someone else (a less than ideal situation,) Though the car has a water pump beginning to make more noise than is acceptable. Though my husband works at a far too physically taxing job than his age affords. Though my brother-in-law is fighting the fight of his life with prostate cancer and my sweet sister is by his side feeling defenseless and hurt. Though all rentals in our price range seem to slip through our hands. Though my grandbaby is all the way over in Italy and I don’t get to see her. Though we have way more financial needs than we have money for, like student loans and legal needs. Though my fears sometime move to the forefront of my heart……..yet I WILL rejoice in You oh Lord, I WILL be joyful in You, oh God my Savior. You my Sovereign Lord are my strength. You will make my feet like the feet of a deer and enable me to go on my high places. Amen and amen
Being everything He has called me to be.
Jesus, take what you’ve done in me and move it through me to those who need to see You, the real You.
Margaret, I clicked on over via Glynn Young’s Saturday list. I’m so glad I did. The idea about sheep being dumb has been perpetuated in our small home group over and over again. I can see your point clearly….I’m sharing this. Thank you!
Huge hug, Jody!
Praying with you, Brandi.
Donna, your words breathe life into my soul. Still rejoicing. Still glorifying God. Thank you for the shining example of faith despite your circumstances!
Praying.
Praying people continue to speak those words of love and grace and truth over you, Amy.
Oh the irony. Thanks, Phillip!
Amen, Sarah!
On my knees with you, Amy.
Amen, Mindy!
Yes. Amen. Praying with you, Jennifer.
Praying for complete healing, Melissa.
Praying!
Father, But for You, I am defenceless against my weariness and physical limits. But for You, I am defenceless in finding and persevering on the right path. But for You, I am defenceless in distinguishing and quieting the foreign voices in my soul. Help me Lord, Come to my defence and aid. I Love You for this..
Father God I am asking you for security in my life I am in a situation now where I dont know where to turn forgive me for not putting you first in my life please help me to take a different turn in my life give me strength and peace dear father this is your sheep that’s gone astray
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