One of my favorite times during my Christmas decorating is incorporating some of my nativities around the house. I have collected them for several years and have many from other countries. But my favorite is the one passed down to me from my mom. While still working, my mother joined a ceramics class to have some fun and fellowship with a few friends for relaxation years ago. I had no idea my mom was as artistic as she was, and the large nativity set she created is amazing. It is one of my favorites not because it is large and spectacularly painted but because it is the complete set I own. It has traditional nativity figures and includes camels, donkeys, and sheep. When I look at it, I can’t relate to Mary and Joseph, nor the wise men and the shepherds, but I can relate to the donkeys and especially the sheep. This is because there are so many scriptural references to God’s children as sheep. Certainly, the most often quoted 23rd Psalm reminds us all that we are sheep dependent on the leadership and care of the Shepherd.
When I look at the donkey, it reminds me I can be stubborn, But if I cooperate with the Shepherd, I can be useful in service. Many folks don’t realize that many shepherds use a few donkeys to help care for and guard the flock. However, the Shepherd lays across the gate or opening to the pen to keep his beloved sheep and lambs from predators. In John, Jesus proclaims He is the good Shepherd. He tells us that the good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. Somehow in my simple sheep-like mind, I conclude that there may be such a thing as a bad shepherd. Because Jesus goes on to define that a hireling, a pseudo shepherd, will stand around and look busy, but at the first sign of trouble and danger abandons (me), the helpless sheep, and cares for his own hide. The bible tells us this false Shepherd is outta there! The application of this truth is pretty substantial in my life. I think about all the times I looked to be led by things like my own will, popular opinion, prestige and position, relationships that promised loyalty, fair-weather friends, money. The list is long and fleeting. It is fleeting! But Christ promises me if I put myself under His care, the care of the Good Shepherd, I am safely led, provided for, and guarded even from danger and death.
For me, this is paramount because I recognize I am a sheep. Sheep are not bright. I have never seen, as someone has said, enjoyed trained sheep at the circus or otherwise. They are clumsy, easily confused, and require care like shearing and oiling their head to prevent infestation of critters. Sounds like a lot of things I can relate to. Identifying with these less than astute qualities doesn’t lead to inferiority. It helps keep me humble and dependent on my Good Shepherd. I think of the times I have clumsily made my way through life and experienced falls. I would still be lying helpless if not for Christ, who set me on my feet again.
As for my sense of direction, just like little lambs wandering away out of curiosity or distraction, Jesus has called me and helped me get back or stay on the path to avoid harm or danger. I can even relate to the shearing a sheep has to submit to. My Good Shepherd has tenderly shorn off things like pride or self-reliance, anger and unforgiveness, and even the greater love for other things than Him off of me so I can experience mobility and freedom. He doesn’t want me bogged down with so much of myself that I can’t experience abundant life.
As I celebrate Advent and look to Christ for a refreshing of my mind and spirit, I need to be reminded that I am under the care of a GOOD shepherd. Not one that is a taskmaster. He is not a legalistic killjoy interested in religious rules and rituals but rather a relationship with me, his dearly beloved little lamb. He is good when the world says He isn’t or when they say He was just a teacher or is a myth. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and is still in charge of His flock when the news is bad, the world threatens, or even the church fails. He tenderly leads us through dark times, comforting us and gathering us close to him, and He is smiling and celebrates laughing with us when the sun is shining in green pastures. He is lying at the door of my pen guarding me when predators like fear and doubt, sorrow and hopelessness try and find a way in. Most of all, Christ is the Good Shepherd because He has given His life for the sheep. He, the Lamb of God, has taken away the sins of the world by facing the slaughter of death so I can have life eternal. My Shepherd came out of a dark tomb, conquering death forever, and called out to the flock of humanity to follow after Him, promising He would lead us home safely.
Lord, today let me be refreshed, even overwhelmed by your goodness alone. Thank you for being a loving, kind shepherd. How great is your patience with me! Lead me through this advent season with a heart full of hope and worship. Help me be an obedient sheep with my eyes and ears tuned to you. Thank you, the spotless Lamb of God, for giving yourself for a little sinful, lost lamb like me and has cleaned me up, set me on the right path, and has led me every step of the way to the rich, abundant life you promised and secured. Lord, you are the Good Shepherd!
Please return to the vineyard where the 5 o’clock worker looks for a refreshed perspective of the way, the truth, and the life in the “I Am” series next time.
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