Shepherd’s little “Helpers”

Wednesday we talked about the difference between how a shepherd leads his sheep and how a butcher drives them.  Today I’d like to talk about sheep dogs.

 

Although ancient shepherds led their sheep by their voices, most modern American shepherds make use of another tool:  the sheepdog.  We had a sheepdog the summer Jonathan turned two – for about 3 weeks.  I never could figure out how to potty train a dog!  I guess I’m more of a cat person.  At night Daisy (that’s what we called her) would sleep in the truck as her kennel, but most days we just let her run around outside so we didn’t have to watch out for “accidents.”

 

We were renting the bottom corner of a four-plex out in Peter’s Creek so there was lots of room for Daisy to explore.  She wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.  She liked to lay under the big trampoline in the yard and then yelp whenever Jonathan jumped.  She never did figure out what was going on.  She also had the habit of running into stationary objects – like the porch, or on one occasion our landlord (completely took him out).  We couldn’t figure out if this was stupidity or if she couldn’t see well.

 

We finally got rid of her when it was discovered (by our landlord) that she had been chewing large portions of siding off the back of the four-plex.  Oops!  It was kinda a relief for me.  I was never a dog person.  But it also worried me the way Daisy always wanted to corral Jonathan.  They say that’s just in a sheepdog’s nature.  She’d run up alongside him and try to nudge him or grab his clothes in her mouth.  Once or twice she actually hurt him (didn’t draw blood or anything but Jonathan was terribly offended).

 

Have you known any sheepdog in your life?  I know I have.  Those “helpful” people who nip at your heels and bark whenever you’re getting away from where they think you should be.  They even bite occasionally (metaphorically speaking) because they take their job of corralling the world so seriously.  Such people often feel like they’re doing Jesus a favor.  After all, how could Jesus possibly keep up with all us errant little sheep?  Surely He could use a little assistance.

 

The problem with this is that Jesus doesn’t need or want the help (interference) because He wants to develop a personal relationship with each of His sheep.  He teaches through modeling and leads by calling us forwards toward Him and therefore toward God.  Sheep dogs (although often well meaning) distract us from direct interaction with the Good Shepherd.  They encourage us to focus on our “improper” direction and can get us stuck looking at our own shortcomings rather than keeping our eyes on Jesus.

 

Christianity is relational.  Jesus is our destination but He’s also our journey.  And He wants to interact personally with each of us.  That way He can say, “I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father.”  (John 10:15 NLT)  The force that created and sustains this universe wants to spend time with you and with me.  I can’t imagine getting a better offer.  Can you?

 

Going deeper – I’ve gotten better and better at politely ignoring the sheepdogs in my life, all except for one – me.  It just comes so naturally to me to bark a scolding comment or harass myself for getting off track.  But I am learning that Jesus is a much better and much gentler shepherd of my soul.  Not that Jesus is all sunshine and kindness.  I’ve definitely experienced some “tough love” parenting here and there. 

 

But the more I take myself too seriously, the easier it is for me to loose sight of my real guide – Jesus.  Who are the sheepdogs you have to watch out for?  If one of them is you, you might want to consider giving the job back to someone more qualified.  It’s a strange thing to really grasp, but I’m learning that Jesus is much more generous to me than I am to myself.  Go figure!