MARRIAGE IS A GOOD THING (30)

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Ps 32:5)

These are some interesting facts about sheep and shepherds:

During summer it is too hot to keep the sheep in the valleys below.  The shepherds take them up the mountains where the weather is cooler and the grass greener. One of the shepherds goes ahead alone to inspect the place where the flock will stay. He has to look for bad poisonous grass and remove them. He also has to build fences to protect the sheep. He inspects the ground for signs of wild animals that may attack the flock. His duty is to construct snares and traps all around to catch the possible predators.

Sheep have many natural predators: cougars (mountain lions), wolves, foxes, bears, wild dogs, eagles etc. Sheep are vulnerable to predators because they are basically defenseless and have no means of protecting themselves. Sheep run when something frightens them. Their only protection is to stay together in a group. Breeds with a strong flocking instinct are less vulnerable to predators than those that scatter. Generally, the wild animals attack the flock to create panic, trying to cause a stampede. In the process some of the sheep injure themselves and they fall prey to the predators. The best way to protect the sheep and lambs is to keep them away from predators, by penning them at night. Certain types of fences (net and high-tensile electric) will aid in keeping predators out. Employing good shepherds is very important. Hirelings are dangerous for they do not care for the sheep. Another method to protect them is to have good guarding dogs. These dogs sleep outside and do not have the privileges of a pet. Their job is to bond with the sheep and not with the shepherd.

But with all the difficulties up on the mountains, the sheep enjoy the cooler weather and the green grass. A good shepherd will love and protect his sheep. Living in peace, without the fear of the enemies, the sheep ‘fall in love’. They mate easier and increase in numbers.

Spiritually speaking Jesus is the Shepherd of our souls. He has employed good under-shepherds to take care of His flock. These are the pastors and the leaders of the local churches. In the context of the family the husband is the shepherd of his wife and kids. They cover their flock with wisdom and love. They remove the poisonous weeds of false doctrines. They protect the flock with prayer and the teaching of the Word of God. Our only protection as sheep is to follow the Shepherd and stay together. Every form of rebellion is fatal. Division in the church is a sin. That is why God hates divorce because it separates the shepherd and his sheep. The devil is like a roaring lion looking for lost sheep to devour. He will attack us with fear so that we injure one another. The fence of the Holy Spirit is a seal that protects us at night. The angels are like the guardian dogs. They surround the house of them who fear God and take Him seriously. A disobedient shepherd is a criminal leader. His flock is not safe. He will lose them one by one to the wild animals. No one will come to their rescue.  “Your sheep will be given to your enemies, and no one will rescue them” (Deut 28:31)

If God has called you to be a pastor, a teacher, a mentor or a husband, that is a high calling. This is serious ministry and not entertainment or a joke. You are responsible to Jesus for the care and the protection of your flock. A husband is accountable to God each time his wife or children are sick of suffer. You have to be a man of God to truly be a good husband. You have to be a woman of God to truly be a godly wife. Going to worldly parties and making friends with unbelievers, will open the door to the devil and his agents to attack your home. But for the godly husband who loves cares and protects his family, your reward is great both in heaven and on earth! May God multiply the good examples of godly stable and successful families! I personally need to see more godly homes having Jesus as their Lord! If you have done mistakes in the past, repent and stand up again! May God help you to love as Jesus loved! May your enemies be disappointed! May God bless the fruit of your body! May peace rule in your home! Amen!

In Christ I declare:

My enemies are disappointed! If they do not repent, they shall die of hunger! My family is safe! My children are safe! There is peace in our home! In Jesus name, Amen!