I WAS A BLACK SHEEP, NOW I’M IN HEAVEN

Have you ever wondered why Christ had that ‘bright idea’ to liken us, to .... sheep? He surely knew about all the beautiful and wonderful animals that grace our planet; the mighty, graceful stallion; the beautiful Siberian tigers which even feature in mythology; the elegant, graceful and beautiful swans; the peacocks, with their vibrant iridescent plumage colours; the elegant, regal giraffe, the mighty lion … one could go on forever. No, we were likened to ‘sheep’ … for His fold.

It is worth noting that in the animal kingdom, the ‘sheep’ is probably the most, silly and stubborn of animals. and must be told what to do and where to go, otherwise they'll wander off and get lost. Sheep are timid, fearful, easily panic, dumb stupid, gullible, very vulnerable to fear and frustration, easily influenced by a false leader, vulnerable to mob psychology, easily killed by enemies, constantly need fresh water, fresh pasture, has very little discernment in choosing food or water. Sheep are perverse, stubborn - will insist on their own way, even eating poisonous plants or drinking dirty water, easily "cast" - flipped over on their back, unable to right themselves and will die of starvation if not turned over by shepherd; helpless, don't like to be sheared, and cleaned. They are creatures of habit; get into "ruts", totally dependent on the shepherd for every need.    

Have you enjoyed reading your CV? Great, isn’t it. But one detail is missing; when evening falls, it will be time for the shepherd to take charge of the flock, entrusted to his charge. Whilst grazing, sheep roam about to look for the ideal patches of grass to be nibbled, and very often they separate from their flock. We have to keep in mind that the number of sheep of different flocks might easily number to hundreds. Yet, and here is the first lesson we learn from Christ’s truly ‘bright idea’. The shepherds take it by turn to call out their sheep. Every shepherd has a ‘particular’ call for his sheep, for his followers. In due time all his flock is gathered around him, and they will shortly be on their way to the pen for the night.

All the other shepherds do likewise, and in no time hundreds, sometimes thousands of sheep will find their way following their particular shepherd. And this is the lesson. Fully armed with their CV, these poor creatures, notwithstanding their negative character, have this, one, single benefit which makes us an honour to be in their company. They hear, they listen to their master’s call, voice. Do we ALL listen to our Master’s voice, can we apply that famous label of discography, “His Master’s Voice” ? … Unfortunately, most of us, do not even ‘hear’ the Master’s voice, let alone ‘listen’.

It is very unfortunate that some do not ‘attune’ their receivers, their ears, so that they can pick up every sound sent by the Master. In this world of ours we are continuously bombarded by many a false prophet, by loud jarring sounds, various media which drowns us. We are up against tornadoes, tsunamis and earthquakes which drown the gentle breeze heralding the arrival of the Spirit. Many are becoming accustomed to listening ‘only’ their favourite TV channel, their one and only radio station. Many fall into the trap of believing and accepting ‘new ideas’ by ‘new prophets’. To attune your ears to the voice of the Master, of Christ, we have to read more God’s Love letters, the Holy Scripture. Let’s make it a habit of opening up the Holy Book, especially the New Testament, and choose the line for the day. Print out that line, or scribble it on a piece of paper and put it up on the fridge, where you can see it every moment; put it up on the cooker, in the bathroom, in your bedroom … wherever possible.

The next step is to pray to the Holy Spirit to help you understand and follow that verse. If you are ‘baptised’ the Holy Spirit is within you, pray to Him to awaken in you the gift of understanding. He will sure listen to you. You will be amazed how and when He takes over, you feel that you have become a different person. You will see things clearer, things, which before seemed to be hidden from you,  you will understand what God wants to tell you, you will see people greeting you, you will realise that everyone around you is happy and wearing a smile. You will taste, experience ‘heaven on earth’.  Because the Spirit will take over and free you, He gives you a new life.

It is then that you qualify to become a ‘sheep’ and you will be proud to show your CV, because the most important Qualification you own would be, that ‘You do listen to His voice.’

Let us pray: “Lord Jesus, my Good Shepherd, I admit that I have offended You; Your grace, Your love, Your mercy and Your trust, simply because I was silly and stubborn. I admit at times I behaved as a dumb stupid fool, I was too gullible to follow false prophets. But, thanks to your grace I want to make amends. I ask You, be my Shepherd, accept me in Your flock, make me totally dependent on You. Lead kindly Light amidst the encircling dark. Amen.