Heed the Shepherd

I have a friend who I once overheard sharing that he sometimes associates people with different dog breeds based on their character. Kind of a strange thing to do, right? Curious, I butted into the conversation and nervously asked what dog breed he thought I fit. He replied that an Irish Setter or an English Sheepdog came to mind. I really wasn’t sure how to respond. After all, Irish Setters are pretty, hardworking dogs, but somewhat breezy and flaky (at least according to 101 Dalmatians). I’ve never owned an English Sheepdog, but I’ve read that they tend to be independent, yet affectionate with family. That seems about right to describe me, especially since I tend to wear my bangs long and they are often in my eyes.

Maybe he was telling me to get a trim? Probably not, men don’t notice these things unless they are hairdressers.

I was slightly offended, but as I reflected, I’ve been called worse things.

Curious conversation, yes, but these are the kinds of oddball conversations when you’re all killing time together that forge friendships that will stand the test of time and distance. I’m personally grateful he didn’t say a Chihuahua or rat terrier because then I would have had to punch him in the arm. Not sure you can do that to a pastor without consequences, even if he is a brother.

True story, although his wife probably would have beat me to it. She has more practice and better aim.

I digress.

So, you’re probably wondering by now where I am going with this. People are not dogs, and as much as we love our furry friends, dogs are not people.

The Shepherd’s Sheepdog

Recently, I’ve come across a series of videos of shepherds putting their border collies (or other herding breeds) through their paces. The videos are pretty fascinating to watch. The shepherd, standing hundreds of yards away, directs the dog to herd dozens of sheep at a time with a series of simple commands like “come by”, “that’ll do” or “here.” The dog then races around herding the sheep in a specific direction, weaving back and forth with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm. The occasional bark doesn’t hurt or wound the sheep; it simply redirects them to where the shepherd dog wants them to go.

The shepherd’s command that struck me though as I watched these videos was the periodic command of “lie down” when it didn’t appear that the dog’s work was finished. As the video’s narration explained, these dogs have big hearts, love what they do and they work hard at it, but it is important for the shepherd to recognize their need for rest. That is when a good shepherd will command his dog to “lie down” in order to properly care for his dog.

Our Heavenly Shepherd

Most who have served in ministry in any kind of capacity recognize this command from their heavenly Father, who is described as a Shepherd throughout the Bible. Some listen for the soft whisper and immediately respond in faith, resting in God and leaving the outcomes to Him. Others are redirected by the loud shout when they are in pain, and repent and change course. Others persist and risk moral failure or worse.

Let me say this gently to anyone who is spiritually worn and physically drained. Yes, ministry is a high and noble calling, but God’s design for you is not to be worn out, angry, resentful or bitter. His design is for you to thrive. If you’re looking for a great book on this topic for the overachiever in your life, I highly recommend Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. Read it. It will change your life. It did mine.

Choose to Heed the Shepherd

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

These verses (vv. 2-3) come from one of the most familiar psalms in the Bible, Psalm 23. Many folks are most familiar with this psalm because it is often read at funerals. That’s a little short-sighted because the psalm actually describes what life can look like when we walk with Christ. In its entirety, the psalm offers great comfort in this life and shows how we are meant to live, in grateful dependence on and in enjoyment of, our heavenly Father. It is not just the words offered in comfort to grieving family members at our funerals.

The Bible offers truth and wisdom for our daily lives, and so much more. It offers hope in explaining God’s rescue plan for mankind in the saving work of Jesus Christ, who has eternally existed. He came to earth as a man just over two thousand years ago and died on a cross so that those who choose to put their trust in Him, will be reconciled from enemies of God to His beloved children.

As we prepare for the Christmas season, remember that Jesus is our anchor and our hope. It is only through putting our trust in Jesus that we can abandon our opposition to God and enter into a peaceful, reconciled relationship with Him. The Bible assures us of that.

Peace out my friends. May you enjoy rest in His presence today and every day. That will be my prayer for you and for me this advent season.

~Alison

Photo credit: Jess Wealleans on istock.com.