Smoothed and Soothed
Sheep that are agitated never do well. And the same is true of people.
Phillip Keller, himself a shepherd, and author of, “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23,” reveals the following, “The strange thing about sheep is that because of their very make-up it is almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met. Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free from all fear. Because of the social behavior within a flock sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of pests can they relax. Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger … A flock that is restless, discontented, always agitated and disturbed never does well. And the same is true of people” (p. 35,36).
In the last devotion our Good Shepherd put us at ease. He took away our restless fears. Today, he smooths our friction.
Keller explains how sheep have a “butting order” of dominance and status within the group. Generally an arrogant, domineering old ewe will boss around the other sheep and butt them out of the way to get the best pasture or place to lie down. This continues so that it disturbs the whole flock and none can rest.
Other times when there is rivalry, tension, and competition for status and self-assertion, there is also friction in a flock of sheep. They are always trying to stand up and defend their rights and contest the challenge of anyone they feel to be intruding. This continuous conflict and jealousy within the flock can be a most detrimental thing. The sheep become edgy, tense, discontented and restless. They lose weight and become irritable.
Christians don’t need to “prove ourselves” or “assert our status” to be valuable or popular, because our value is already established by the fact that we belong to the Good Shepherd. Confident in that, we find joy in the advancement of others ahead of us, and take pleasure in promoting others before ourselves – because it doesn’t threaten us in the least! Compare how King Saul resented young David, feeling threatened by him only because Saul’s own worth was not connected to his divine calling and Shepherd King; yet David never sought to manipulate his way to the throne or stab Saul in the back, confident that God’s care of the situation was sufficient.
And we lie down in the green pastures of peace, contentment, and fulfillment.
PRAYER: As ugly as blisters are the problems I’ve caused myself and others with friction I’ve created, dear Lord. Seeking to prove myself to my superiors, assert myself to get my way, and dominate others with my personal desires I’ve only made things worse for them and me. And I’ve saddened you, my Shepherd. May your pardoning love make my soul glad in your grace, just as you delight in me as one of your flock. Let that position, not my personal achievements (or lack of them), determine my value – for you and your love will never leave me. And so let me love others as you love them. Amen.