The Stray Sheep
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands. (Psalm 119:176 NIV)
Sheep who wander away from a good shepherd also leave the flock behind as well. They become stray sheep, alone and defenseless against many predators. Some sheep do stray by accident. But others are escape artists. In the book, A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23, Phillip Keller tells the story of a discontented ewe who hated the fences keeping her healthy and safe. She consistently crawled under every barrier.. Even worse, she taught her lambs the same bad habit. Soon other sheep began copying her behavior.
It didn’t matter that the grass outside the pasture was often dry, brown and scraggly. She never learned. The shepherd had to bring her back time and again. Even worse, she fled from the protection of the flock.
This ewe kept straying because she was rebellious, and it shortened her life..
A Theory in Biology
How does the flock provide increased safety to individual sheep? Well, it’s obvious when you think about it.
There’s a biological idea called the Selfish Herd Theory. I learned it as a student at Michigan State University.
Imagine a school of fish. Their movement together is incredibly well synchronized.
The Selfish Herd Theory states that the safest place to swim is in the center of the school. Why? Because most predators attack the outside layer, picking off tasty fish on the periphery.
This theory works for herd animals of all types, including sheep. That’s why sheep who stray becomes prey. Take a look at the meme above. That sheep is alone. Easily spotted from a distance. Outside of the shepherd’s protection. Unable to run because of the rocky terrain and with very little green grass to eat.
This stray sheep is in terrible danger.
My Spiritual Point
Believers sometimes desert the Good Shepherd. They get angry and rebellious against Jesus’ commands—which function as protective fences in our lives.
Looking back on decades of walking with Christ I can say my life is more filled with peace and joy than it ever has been. That’s the fruit which blossomed in my soul as I obeyed the Holy Spirit’s promptings.
Even when it didn’t make sense. Even when it was hard.
If you’ve become a stray sheep, do what the author of Psalm 119:176 suggests.
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands. (Psalm 119:176 NIV)
Cry out to the Good Shepherd because He’s seeking you. That’s why you desire to return to Him.
These images came from Pixabay.com.
Editor’s note: In the areas where I’ve resisted the Holy Spirit’s nudges, there’s been no fruit.
