26. the sheep and the shepherd: a metaphor

the sheep are among
the densest animals God created
defenseless by nature
they are slow and easily frightened

sheep cannot find food
and water without help
when danger is near
won't fight back, but just yelp

they don't have survival skills
they eat grass down to the roots
unless someone leads them
they're a target easy to shoot

they'll stay in a barren land
they will bleat until they die
without a caring shepherd
they'll just cry and never try

even the simple task of drinking water
they cannot do on their own
frightened by bubbles and splashes
they won't come near, and yes, won't drown

everything must be given them
the food to eat and drinking water
without a shepherd looking after
wild animals will find them easy to slaughter

in the Hebrew social scale
the shepherd is the lowliest job
in a Hebrew family
this job gets bumped down to the youngest son

the rod is a long strong stick
at the end you'll find a knob
then a tall pole with a crook on top
is the staff, on the other hand

the staff is an equipment
to keep them out of trouble and on the right path
when close to the cliff's edge and into ravines
they're pulled out by the crook of the staff

the rod is the shepherd's equipment
that kills wild animals seeking a sheep to devour
with a shepherd's precise aim and deadly force
he could protect the sheep from predators

the rod and staff, are the shepherd's instruments
for the sheep's provision and protection
did it ever cross your mind at all
is this metaphor a fitting comparison?

we are the sheep, and the Lord, our shepherd
no need to be offended by the lowly description
the clueless sheep, to the shepherd has invaluable worth
the shepherd,a symbol of  strength and protection

the message in the 23rd Psalm, have you heard?
it is not just a story between the sheep and shepherd
in it is a truth, a promise, a future
even in times of crisis, be secure, God's love endures


*based on chapter 2 of Chip Ingram's book, "I am with you always" (pp. 55-57)