Lessons from Sheep: Value

In the Bible the Lord’s people have been compared to a flock of sheep and their leaders are called Shepherds. God owns the flock and the Shepherds are accountable to him. One of the reasons for the comparison is because sheep have value and so do the Lord’s people.

Sheep produce meat, dairy products, wool and Lanolin, etc. The Shepherd finds the best pastures for the sheep so that their nutritional needs are met and they can be productive. He also protects them from predation.

The Shepherd may also vary the genetics of his flock by bringing in Rams who have the characteristics he desires (wool vs. meat types). Frequently a Ewe may produce twins or even triplets. The Shepherd identifies sheep with superior genetics and maximizes their impact in the flock.

If a Ewe doesn’t produce a lamb every year she is culled as are the aged sheep. Every year the Shepherd gives an accounting to the flock owner.

The Lord’s people/church has great value. Her Pastors/Shepherds nourish the flock by teaching from God’s word. They are also taught to congregate/flock with each other. There is no culling of the aged in the church. The aged can still provide sound judgment and provide opportunities of service and honor for the rest of the congregation.

Those who possess superior spiritual genetics, if called upon, will sacrifice their own lives for the benefit of another.

The church’s spiritual economic value is the good deeds she does for each other and for the community.

The goal of the Pastor/Shepherd is to deliver the entire flock/church to their owner (God) on the Day of Judgment… and that’s exactly what God expects of them. Don’t let God down.