The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Psalm 19:1
I am amazed at the intricate design of the universe right down to every minuscule detail. I am convinced that God created everything and every creature for a specific purpose; that is to manifest or show forth His glory. Even the cute little object lessons we develop from nature are, I believe, not of our own inventions at all but are in fact, deliberately designed by God to show us something of Himself. For example, the children’s song, "Bullfrogs and Butterflies" illustrates the miraculous transformation that occurs in the new birth. I think He made them that way on purpose.
I am amazed at the intricate design of the universe right down to every minuscule detail. I am convinced that God created everything and every creature for a specific purpose; that is to manifest or show forth His glory. Even the cute little object lessons we develop from nature are, I believe, not of our own inventions at all but are in fact, deliberately designed by God to show us something of Himself. For example, the children’s song, "Bullfrogs and Butterflies" illustrates the miraculous transformation that occurs in the new birth. I think He made them that way on purpose.
Another animal, though, is used abundantly in God’s Word, as analogous to His people. Personally, I wish it was the rhinoceros. I could get excited about concepts like power, and strength. But God compares us to sheep; “…We are the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:3). Of all the animals in the world, God compares us to dumb, stupid, senseless, helpless, defenseless, gullible sheep.
Did you know that sheep cannot survive on their own? If human life suddenly vanished from the face of the earth, all the sheep would be dead within a few days. Sheep are creatures of habit and if they are left to themselves, they become victims of their own demise. Every day, without a shepherd, they will do the same things, they will go the same places and eat in the same pastures. They will ravage the pasture until it is destroyed and then they will pollute the ground until it breeds dangerous parasites.
When they are thirsty, they drink indiscriminately, any water that is available even if it is dangerously contaminated.
Sheep are tense, “psychological basket cases.” They are constantly in a state of fear and aggravation that keeps them from properly digesting their food.
They have no ability to defend themselves. They have no weapons, no camouflage, no speed and no sense. They are “easy pickings” for predators.
The only way sheep can possibly survive is under the watchful care of a shepherd. That’s why God appoints shepherds (pastors) to care for His flock. And He gives them a very narrow and defined job description. They are not called for social or political activism. They are not called to entertain. They are not to be chasing after goats. They are called to lead, feed, guide, guard and protect His flock. “Feed the flock of God which is among you…” (1 Peter 5:2)
Did you know that sheep cannot survive on their own? If human life suddenly vanished from the face of the earth, all the sheep would be dead within a few days. Sheep are creatures of habit and if they are left to themselves, they become victims of their own demise. Every day, without a shepherd, they will do the same things, they will go the same places and eat in the same pastures. They will ravage the pasture until it is destroyed and then they will pollute the ground until it breeds dangerous parasites.
When they are thirsty, they drink indiscriminately, any water that is available even if it is dangerously contaminated.
Sheep are tense, “psychological basket cases.” They are constantly in a state of fear and aggravation that keeps them from properly digesting their food.
They have no ability to defend themselves. They have no weapons, no camouflage, no speed and no sense. They are “easy pickings” for predators.
The only way sheep can possibly survive is under the watchful care of a shepherd. That’s why God appoints shepherds (pastors) to care for His flock. And He gives them a very narrow and defined job description. They are not called for social or political activism. They are not called to entertain. They are not to be chasing after goats. They are called to lead, feed, guide, guard and protect His flock. “Feed the flock of God which is among you…” (1 Peter 5:2)
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