On July 8, 2005, stunned onlookers watched helplessly as 450 sheep plummeted to their deaths near the Turkish village of Gevas. The wooly train wreck started when one sheep walked off a cliff, causing more than 1,500 others to follow suit.  

This true story certainly confirms why sheep are known for being easily distracted, directionless, and defenseless. They utterly depend on the shepherd to provide for and protect them. The Bible often refers to us as sheep, saying, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). It’s rather humbling, then, to be called a sheep!

The prophet Ezekiel foretold the coming of a Good Shepherd (34:11-24), the Messiah, who would save and defend His flock. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, laid down His life for us. He is our only protection against “thieves and robbers” who seek to steal our joy and peace. The more time we spend grazing in the verdant pastures of God’s Word and drinking from the waters of His truth, the more we follow after His voice.