Have You Any Wool ????

Many years ago I lived out a ways from the city. It was not my favorite place. I am a city girl by heart. I do have to admit there is a peace that you can never find in the city, the quietness, the sound of the breeze, birds are all a part of the country life.

Down the road, over the bridge and around the curve (that's how you find your way in the country) there lived a sheep farmer. I loved looking at them as I drove by, I had never seen them up this close. They look so cute and sweet, but looks can be deceiving. It brought to mind a book that I have read many times. Believe me, I am not one to read a book over again, but this one is just practical and I learn things about sheep I didn't know, not to mention it opens up the scriptures in Psalm 23 in a new and exciting way.

The title is "A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 " by Phillip Keller. Mr Keller grew up and lived in East Africa, surrounded by simple native herders. Then as a young man made his own livelihood for about eight years as a sheep owner and sheep rancher. So he writes this with first hand experience with every phase of sheep management.

Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.

The strange thing about sheep is that because of their very make-up it is almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met.
1. Sheep are very timid, they refuse to lie down unless they are free of fear.
2. Because of the social behavior within a flock sheep will not lie down unless they are free from
    friction with others of their kind.
3. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down-only when free of these pests
    can they relax.
4. Lastly sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food, they must be free from
    hunger.

   

It is significant that to be at rest there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravations and hunger. The unique aspect of the picture is that it is only the shepherd himself who can provide release from these anxieties. It all depends upon the diligence of the owner whether or not his flock is free of disturbing influences.

A flock that is restless, disoriented, always agitated and disturbed never does well. And the same is true with people. No wonder the Lord called us sheep throughout the scriptures.

Psalm 100:3 we are His people; the sheep of His pasture.

Psalm 119:176 I have strayed like a lost sheep

Isaiah 53:6 We all, like sheep have gone astray

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Have a great week!! If you can, pick up this book, you will truly be blessed.

Linda :)