Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd — something some people view with negativity, because if Jesus is the shepherd, that makes us the sheep. And who, they ask, wants to be a sheep?

I do!

I’ve been a shepherd. For twenty years I managed our family’s flock of 400 ewes (female sheep), caring for them, watching over the lambs, and everything else that goes with the job. So when someone takes offense to being called God’s sheep because they think sheep are dumb, I am more than happy to correct their erroneous impression.

Sheep are not mindless. They are trusting, compliant, creatures of habit, dependent on solid leadership. They trust their shepherd and shy away from anyone they don’t know.

Sheep like consistency and routine. They know the shepherd is true to their word — they won’t say it’s time to eat, but not feed them or lead in one direction, then change their mind and force the flock to go another way.

Hmmm…

Trusting, compliant, a creature of habit, and committed to a worthy leader. Isn’t that what Jesus expects of us when we accept Him as Savior?

Trustworthy, solid, dependable, and true to His word. Isn’t that exactly who Jesus is?

I don’t know about you, but as for me: I just want to be a sheep!