Why Does God Call His People Sheep?

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 (ESV)

Ever wonder why God calls us "sheep" so much? We can be just as foolish and helpless. We easily stray. We can't be left to ourselves. All of these are obvious reasons. But I think there's more to it.

I think He calls us "sheep," because that's the way we were made. He made us to need Him that much. Here are five reasons (of many) why God calls His people "sheep."

Sheep weren't made to carry burdens.
You will never see a sheep carrying a pack on its back. Other animals are good for carrying things. But not sheep.

Sheep can't handle burdens.
"Cast your burdens on the Lord, and He will sustain you" (Psalm 55:22).
Sheep can't defend themselves.
When a sheep is frightened, the only thing it knows to do is run. Other animals were made with defense mechanisms. But not sheep.

Sheep aren't able to defend themselves.
"The LORD is my defense; and my God is the rock of my refuge" (Psalm 94:22).

Sheep can't find their own way.
When sheep are lost, they are unable to find their way home again. Other animals were made with instincts that can. But not sheep.

Sheep have trouble finding the right way.
"Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face" (Psalm 5:8).

Sheep are content with whatever satisfies.
When sheep are thirsty, they will stop to drink at a dirty puddle, even when there is clean, still water nearby. Sheep are content with filth, so long as it satisfies. A good shepherd always knows what's better and best. But not sheep.

Sheep will take whatever they can get.
"[He is] able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20).

Sheep need a shepherd.
Sheep need a constant overseer. Other animals can fend for themselves. But not sheep. Sheep need a shepherd whose life work is to care for his sheep. They need someone to protect, defend, lead, guide, and provide for them at all times. We have that in our God, whose name is "The Lord is my Shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). He calls His people "sheep" because we need a Shepherd.
We need Him that much!

Copyright 2018 Sandi S.S.

Teach children about our Good Shepherd.



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