We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. - Isaiah 53:6

I just started reading a small book by a lady in Birmingham, Alabama titled, "All we like sheep."  Throughout the Bible we are compared to sheep and Christ as our shepherd.  In the book, she goes into a deep explanation of how we are like sheep - something that is hard for me to grasp because in order to admit I am like one - I also have to admit that this list of characteristics of sheep describes me as well:

1. timid, fearful, easily panicked 2. dumb stupid, gullible 3. very vulnerable to fear, frustration, pests, hunger 4. easily influenced by a leader, by the shepherd 5. stampede easily, vulnerable to mob psychology 6. little or no means of self-defense; can only run 7. easily killed by enemies 8. the shepherd is most effective, calming influence 9. jealous, competitive for dominance 10. constantly need fresh water, fresh pasture 11. have very little discernment in choosing food or water 12. best water source is early morning dew 13. perverse, stubborn - will insist on their own way , even eating poisonous plants or drinking dirty water 14. easily "cast" - flipped over on their back, unable to right themselves will die of starvation if not turned over by shepherd; helpless 15. frequently look for easy places to rest 16. don't like to be sheared, cleaned 17. too much wool can cause sheep to be easily "cast" 18. creatures of habit; get into "ruts" 19. need the most care of all livestock 20. need to be "on the move"; need a pre-determined plan, pattern of grazing 21. totally dependent of shepherd for every need 22. need "rod and staff" guidance

I like to think of myself as fairly intelligent and able to find my own way.  But - according to the Bible - and when I am really honest with myself - we are all just like sheep.  Realizing my "sheepness" reminds me of one of my favorite hymns, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: we are truly "Prone to wander...Prone to leave the God (we) love." But Praise God for His son, our good shepherd who "sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God; He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood!"


Admitting my "sheepness" brought be to a deeper understanding of a truth I learned a while ago - that I need to "Let HIM be Lord." So often - I think I have things under control, and tend to be "lord" of my own life - but I don't and can't.  I am learning to Praise God that I am a wondering sheep - that I need to rest and look for His guidance - because He is my shepherd! 


So today let's give up!!!  Let's admit we are sheep, in desperate need of a shepherd every minute of every day - and allow Christ to guide us:)