WE ARE HIS PEOPLE, AND THE SHEEP OF HIS PASTURE - A BIBLICAL ANALOGY

Dear Members in Christ,

We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture - A biblical analogy

The Bible is full of rich analogies using God’s creatures to illustrate the relationship between God and His people. An analogy is to compare something with another to make a point or explain an idea. In one familiar psalm, the Bible refers to God’s people as the sheep of His pasture in an analogy. We read this in Psalm 100, which says, 

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:2,3

While this analogy is clear in the believer’s community in ancient times, the same cannot be said of Christians today. Urbanization has robbed us of the agrarian lifestyle of our forefathers. The pastoral analogy highlighting the relationship between the master and his flock is not always fully understood by the modern reader. However, for the people of God in ancient times, the illustration is ample and clear. God watches over His people in a way which demonstrates His love and care for us. Let us look at two aspects of the livestock owner’s care of his flock. These are firstly, the great value of the animal in the eyes of the owner and therefore he cares for them. Secondly the loving and caring relationship of the owner or shepherd over his flock.

A. Sheep and other domesticated animals as an expression of wealth in the Old Testament   

The Bible makes mention of domesticated animals in general, and in the Old Testament, these creatures are often seen to be of value to their owners. The wealth of the patriarchs of old are often measured by the domesticated animals they possess. We have the reference of the wealth of Abram and Lot in the Book of Genesis, “And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold” (Genesis 13:2) and “Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents” (Genesis 13:5). Also of the patriarch Job that,

“His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.” Job 1:3

These men were described as being rich, and why? The reason is, domesticated animals of the flocks or the herds were animals which provide much benefit for their masters. Some are used as beasts of burden. Some produce milk for nourishment and other animals provide wool. These animals are generally tame, they are submissive and live in peace with their flocks or herds and their master watch over them as shepherds or herdsmen.

The reason that an animal owner in ancient times will care and watch over his flocks because they are of value in his eyes. An ancient livestock owner will understand this analogy, because he treasures each animal in his flock. Dearly beloved, the Bible describes us as “the sheep of His pasture.” Our loving heavenly Father cares for us, and watches over us. He loves us, and treasures each one of us whom He has bought with the precious blood of His Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

B. The Lord Jesus Christ our Great Shepherd and our example 

The psalmist, King David refers to God’s care over him in Psalm 23:1 in this phrase, “The LORD is my shepherd”. Ancient kings were often referred to as shepherds appointed by God to oversee the affairs of men. The analogy of the believers as sheep in God’s flock is further reinforced by New Testament examples as well. The Lord Jesus teaches His role as a Shepherd in a metaphor when He said,

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

We thank God for our Great Shepherd the Lord Jesus Christ, and we remember the Bible exhortation for church leaders to shepherd the flock of God. The Apostle Peter wrote,

“Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 5:3,4

The Lord is our Great Shepherd, and in a way, those of us who are responsible for the flock are reminded to carry out our duties diligently. This exhortation is not confined only to leaders in the church. Parents, grandparents, remember that your children are to be seen as your flock. Care for them, lead and guide them in the paths of righteousness. Whoever your charges are, they may even be your nieces and nephews, or your students in Sunday school. By your life and testimony, help them to know the Word of God and to walk close to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Then shall we be able to say that we have discharged our duty as examples for the flock, when our Chief Shepherd shall come again. May God help and guide us. Amen.   

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor