Individualized View!

When I see sheep, that’s pretty much what I see. To me sheep look like sheep and a flock of sheep looks like a bunch of sheep. But for the one who spends time with his sheep the perspective is different. The shepherd doesn’t just see a flock, but is able to note distinctions between each individual sheep. Each may even be given A NAME denoting a particular quality or behavior it exhibits.

It is sometimes very easy for us to lump together rather than individualize what we see. We are good at creating neat packages in which to place things we are exposed to in this world. It is easy to generalize rather than particularize even humanity around us. We should, however, be encouraged by the awareness of our Lord as we consider the way we view others.

Jesus, as He began to point to Himself as the Good Shepherd, stated…
“(2) But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (3) To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and HE CALLS HIS OWN SHEEP BY NAME and leads them out.” ( John 10:2-3 ESV)

Sheep, left to themselves don’t do very well. They need guidance. They need a shepherd. On one occasion, as Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were “like sheep without a shepherd.” ( Matthew 9:36) Though we may collectively be described as a flock, our Lord’s awareness goes beyond the group to the individual. Our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, knows each of His sheep BY NAME. That individual mindfulness of us should be a great source of encouragement and peace.

As we look at the world do we merely see crowds, or do we also see souls in need of coming under the guidance of the Good Shepherd. Since we know the Shepherd and are encouraged by His individual awareness of us, may we be mindful of what we can do to direct others to Him.

Have a great day SHARING THE LORD’S CONCERN FOR LOST SHEEP!
Carl

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