Pastor Allen did such a g0od job yesterday naming ways we are like sheep, that I wondered if he had been listening in the back of my Bible classes some years back. If you were not in my class, here are twelve lessons we can learn from being compared to sheep (in scripture):
1. Sheep do not have the ability to survive on their own.
This is why we have pastors and elders.
2. Sheep need a qualified shepherd.
This is why pastors have ordination exams.
3. Sheep must feed in pastures that are prepared for them.
This is why pastors have a "study" instead of an "office."
4. Sheep must be protected while they eat.
This is why we should follow our shepherds and stay away from "wolves" (teachers who teach false doctines and just want our money).
5. Sheep eat down to the roots of their food.
This is why we need word studies, etymologies, in both Hebrew and Greek.
6. Sheep finish eating before they digest any of their food.
This is why we teach children catechetical answers long before they completely understand them.
7. Sheep begin feeding in the morning.
This is why it is good to start the day with time with God.
8. Sheep must be at rest before they can chew their food.
This is why quiet times should be quiet.
9. Sheep refine their food during the first "chewing."
This is why we should pray for ears to hear God's Word.
10. Sheep gain maximum benefit from their food as they rechew it.
This is why we should review sermons we have heard and scriptures we have memorized (and why I write these blogs!).
11. Sheep must have a balance between eating and exercise.
This is why we must apply the Word in our daily lives.
12. Sheep which wander can "munch" their way into serious danger.
This is why we should not "church hop."
[Adapted from a book by Bill Gothard]
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