During a demonstration of sheep- herding using a Border Collie, the dog
trainer explained that because sheep are highly vulnerable to wild animals,
their main defense against predators is to stay together in a tightly knit
group. “A sheep alone is a dead sheep,” the trainer said. “The dog always keeps
the sheep together as it moves them.”
The biblical image of God as our shepherd is a powerful reminder of how
much we need each other in the community of faith. When writing about the
exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, the psalmist said, “[God] made His own
people go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock; and
He led them on safely, so that they did not fear” (Ps. 78:52-53).
As part of God’s flock, we who have trusted Christ are under His
guiding, protecting hand while being surrounded by the shielding presence of
others. We are part of a larger body of believers in which there is safety and
accountability.
While we don’t give up our personal responsibility for thought and
action as members of the flock, we are to embrace the concept of “we” rather
than “me” in our daily lives. With Christ as our Shepherd and fellow believers
around us, we find safety in the flock.
As God’s family, we’re protected by Him and by each other. (RBC)
