Sheeple

My morning devotions coincidentally threw me two ovine avenues this morning. Like probably most people in the contemporary Western world, I have a knee-jerk aversion to the sheep metaphor. As CS Lewis would put it, we all want to be self-actualized and complete in ourselves, individually composed and lightly armored, as if we existed each independent of every insidious influence from outside ourselves. (Talk about snake-oil!) But even if or when we concede that human nature is relational, I think few people find our common notions of sheep characteristics appealing. Docile, followers, and not very bright would be my offhand summary. 

First, however, we have a selection from John (10:1-11). The sheep know the shepherd's voice, and the shepherd calls his sheep by name. The shepherd's sheep follow only him, not just any stranger or clever thief who may call them. 

I'm going to assume everyone knew a lot more about raising sheep in those times and places, so this metaphor or parable would only have made sense in that context if the description reasonably captures sheep behavior. In other words, sheep are, let's say, smarter than cows. They recognize not only their shepherd, but indeed the character of their shepherd. He is the one who keeps them fed and shields them from dangers they may not even understand. In their dim understanding they can at least recognize their best direction: following wherever he leads them.  

The self-actualized sheep who makes his own independent decisions, to take the parable a step too far, is liable to listen to those other voices and end up eaten by wolves.

A second reading pointed me to the old familiar Psalm 23. What does the Shepherd do for this narrating sheep? Meets all needs, check. But the description points to more: He nurtures a full range of opportunities throughout the sheep's useful, productive, interesting life. Sometimes He encourages rest, and other times prods the sheep to move. His defenses comfort the sheep so thoroughly that it can dine in comfort and ease even in the midst of enemies. At all times the sheep's best interests are served by serving the Shepherd's purposes, living for His sake. And with a peaceful, untroubled heart regardless of circumstances, the sheep knows and lives the abundant life.