12/8/2021 Principal's Note

By -

Sheep have a bad rap. They are often thought of as stupid animals, and many times they earn that distinction. Sheep are skittish, and their herd mentality means that they may follow each other anywhere, even into danger. The shepherd's job is to lead the sheep safely from one place to another because they cannot be trusted to lead themselves.

Is it any wonder that humans are compared to sheep in the Bible? As intelligent as we are, we can sure do stupid things sometimes. How often does the phrase, "Everyone is doing it!" break down our inhibitions about following a sinful crowd? People can also have a herd mentality, and we will follow people who make compelling arguments for their cases, even if what they are advocating is clearly wrong. Abortion, same-sex marriage, living together outside of wedlock, violent protests; all of these are humans flocking to the wrong shepherd. How gullible we are!

Thankfully, we have a Good Shepherd to whom we can always turn. Psalm 23:1 says, "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing" (NIV 2011). Jesus tells us that he will show us the way through this dark, sinful world. Will we lose our way occasionally? Of course! We are sinful, and just like sheep, prone to wander. But Christ promises that he will always be near us. When we begin to wander, he guides us back to the correct path, though sometimes we may not like his methods. Stories are told of shepherds breaking the legs of sheep that were chronic wanderers. God may "break our legs" by forcefully taking something away from us that causes us to sin, whether that be money, power, or something (or someone) else. But no matter what, we know that he wants what is best for us.

Recently, it's been discovered that sheep really aren't that stupid. They can learn commands and do some problem solving; in fact, they have been shown to be somewhere between pigs and cattle in regards to smarts. One particular attribute of sheep is quite interesting: Sheep have a knack for remembering faces and voices. That is why, when someone other than their shepherd tries to lead them, they run. May God grant that we do the same; that we recognize the face and voice of our Good Shepherd through his holy Word, and that we run to him.

Blessings to you all the rest of this week!

In Christ,

Principal Bill Fuerstenau