Did you know there are 208 references in the Bible to the word “sheep” and 182 references to the word “lamb”. It got me thinking about what it would take to raise sheep. I'm a city girl so I have no clue. What do sheep even eat?
The general consensus on all of the websites I viewed is that, “Nutrition plays a major role in the overall productivity, health and well-being of the sheep flock.” So if you want to raise healthy, productive sheep, you need to make sure that they eat well. So will it be free grazing in green pastures, chowing down on harvested feed (hay, grain, proteins, minerals), or maybe a balanced combination?
The Bible tells us that when we trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, He becomes our Shepherd and we become His sheep. As any good shepherd would do, He provides for our every need. One way is He has given use the Bible. Matthew 4:4 says,
“But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
The Bible (Gods’ Holy Word) has been given to us in written form for us to “freely graze”. We can open it up each and every day and feast on the instructions, correction, encouragement, praise, and love of our Shepherd. If you need a word of encouragement, open it up and graze freely. Need direction in a difficult situation, open it up and graze freely. Feeling a little beat up, open it up and experience the perfect love of God. The Shepherd has provided for your every need.
He also gives us the opportunity to be part of a flock, a group of fellow believers. Together we can eat the “harvested feed” of Preaching, Bible Study, Worship, and Teaching. The supplemental nutrients provided by this harvested feed help the sheep to grow healthy and become productive.
So my question is, where are you grazing today? Are you free grazing on His Word? Are you feeding with the flock? Eat up; the Shepherd is waiting to meet you right where you are! You can't be a healthy sheep if you don't eat. Aren't you we never have to go on a spiritual diet?
Good Shepherd, Thank you for providing me with Your Word. May I never forget to follow you into green pasture and eat until I am empty of me and filled by you.
