Sheep
A sheep named Dolly sparked controversy in 1997 when Scottish Scientists
used cloning to bring her into existence. everyone wondered, Will human
beings be next? This isn't the first time sheep and people have been closely
connected. God required the sacrifice (see sacrifice) of sheep and other
animals to cover the sins od those who were under the Mosaic Law.
The
Bible compares people to sheep and God to a shepherd. Sheep are not know
for their intelligence or power. They need a shepherd to protect them.
Jesus Christ called himself the Good Shepherd. He promised to care for
us, his sheep, and keep us secure from harm. Likewise, in the church,
we are to care tenderly for others as an extension of Christ's love.
Many
of god's special servants lived and worked with sheep. Abraham and Isaac
owned many flocks, and Jacob and his sons were experts at raising sheep.
Jacob met Rachel and Moses met Zipporach when their future wives were
watering sheep. Moses herded sheep for 40 years before God used him to
lead the Hebrews from Egypt, and David composed psalms of praise as a
shepherd boy.
God
first revealed the Savior's birth to lowly shepherds tending their flocks
at night. The shepherds witnessed a multitude of angels praising God and
were the first to visit Mary, Joseph and the newly-born Jesus Christ.
Without
God, we're like lost sheep in need of a shepherd to care for us.
Jeremiah 50:6
Matthew 9:36
1 Peter 2:25
In the world, we're like sheep among wolves. even within the church,
we need to beware of "wolves in sheep's clothing," people both
outside and inside the church who teach inaccurately and deceptively about
God. In the end, God will separate the sheep, his people, from those who
belong to Satan.
Matthew 7:15; 10:16; 25:33
Jude 12
God knows his own sheep, and they recognize him as their shepherd.
Ezekiel 34:11-15
John 10:1-4,26
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He seeks his sheep and gives up his
life to keep them safe.
Psalm 23:1-6
Matthew 18:12-13
Luke 15:4-6
John 10:11-15
Hebrews 13:20
Church leaders are charged to take care of and guide God's flock.
John 21:16-17
Acts 20:28
1 Peter 5:2
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