I am a sheep. The animal most commonly associated with being a Christ-follower. Described as gentle and quiet. But, also smart. And as Sheep, Christ-Followers, we are called to walk in purpose.
Yep. you read that correctly, sheep are smart! Contrary to popular belief.
But it’s not surprising that some would think that sheep are not too smart. I have even heard sheep being called “stupid animals” often in church settings but the fact is, sheep are quite intelligent.
I was actually studying and gathering information on another topic and discovered this. And it immediately made me think about the Kingdom of God and how most things are indeed opposite to what the world thinks.
Kingdom principles are opposite of that of the world
Like some of the familiar verses. Love your enemy. And pray for those who mistreat you. The last will be first and the first will be last.
And of course, the verse, what goes up must come down. No, just kidding. Now that’s not Bible but simply gravity, right.
But sometimes we tend to take what we “think” as truth, when it simply may not be biblically sound. That is why it is so important to take all that we think, all that we hear and see and hold it up to the Word of God. And to humbly ask and allow Holy Spirit to examine it. To make sure that we align what we say and what we do with what the Word of God is saying.
So people who may not understand Kingdom principles, may look at things that believers (sheep) do and view them as being “not so smart”…
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” 1 Corinthians 1:27 KJV
You see the things that don’t quite make sense to the human mind, just might be quite profound and significant in the Kingdom of God to the spiritual life of the believer.
Jesus is our Shepherd but is also described as a sheep
The Bible describes our Savior Jesus as a sheep in Isaiah 53:7 and Acts 8:32.
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7
“This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Acts 8:32
And to any ordinary person, what Christ did for us on his way to the cross and on the cross is illogical. The fact that an innocent man does not try to defend himself. Did not put up a fight for his life. But went willingly to be killed. As the sheep does to the slaughter, does not make sense. And may seem kind of stupid even.
But we must realize and remember that sheep are raised for the purpose of being slaughtered.
Sheep are raised for their meat, for their coats and milk, among many other things…
So when sheep are being led to the slaughter, as our Savior, they are actually walking in their purpose.
And the fact remains that the Lord knew His purpose. He knew that He was born to die for you and I. But many of those around Him did not know or realize that.
Because the Bible says “Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:8
As Christ-Followers we are like sheep
And, so it is with Sheep. As Christ-Followers (sheep) we are called to walk in purpose.
When we walk in our God given purpose, we may look a little foolish to some. Some may not understand. We may look a little less than intelligent.
But we must remember that what may look foolish to those on the outside, actually may be the God-filled, God-breathed life and purpose of the believer.
The dying of self for the cause of Christ. The “less of me and more of Him” that we as believers speak of.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NIV
“He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 NIV
A life full of love, grace and joy in spite of life’s challenges.
Because when we walk in purpose, we are exercising a much greater intellect. One that is above temporal value, but instead one that is eternal. One of divine purpose and Godly wisdom. It is powerful.
So, don’t be afraid of being a sheep. Don’t be afraid to walk in your purpose. Because God is with you. You will not fail.