Jesus, Is That You? Part 3

I am the Good Shepherd...
John 10:11

The third drawing in the packet I purchased by artist Darrel Tank was the familiar pose of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, based on Christ's own words from the book of John.  I have heard many a sermon in my lifetime about sheep being the dumbest animals on earth, not intelligent at all, dependent for their every need on someone or something beyond themselves.  The sermon-maker then hammers home the point that WE human beings are the dumb sheep, needing Jesus to guide us through life. 

That "dumb sheep" theology does not fly well in today's culture of education and self-sufficiency.  I have never considered myself dumb, unintelligent or dependent.  In fact, I think I would have to admit that I view myself as a very bright person, thoroughly educated, relatively independent, with no particular need for someone else to make my decisions for me.  I think most people around me view themselves in much the same light.  So how do I reconcile my self-reliant nature with the call of the Shepherd Christ?

I have no idea if sheep are actually stupid, but I do know one thing - they are defenseless.  Without the sharpness of claws, teeth or fangs, sheep have no way to protect themselves.  The Shepherd acts as their defense mechanism - their protector in the face of real or threatened danger.  Am I defenseless?  Well, when it comes to the floodgates of misery that life is capable of turning on us - cancer, financial failure, relationship collapse, ill health, etc. - I have few defenses to cope with sudden tragedy or unbearable loss.  To know that I have Someone who is right beside me, ready to walk me through the shadows and the pain, is a great comfort and security for me.  In all times - the good and the bad - the Lord is ever ready to wrap me in His arms of love and shelter my heart from the storm.