A Sheepish Symbol That Strikes Fear in No One

National symbols say a lot about the countries they represent. For example, Russia’s national symbol is the bear. In England, it’s the lion. The symbol for the United States, of course, is the American eagle.

Each of these evokes specific imagery. The bear and lion are imposing, powerful, and potentially fierce. The eagle is majestic in flight, and in pursuit of its prey, becomes a formidable, relentless predator. Fitting images for nations in which military power has held historic prominence.

Do you know the symbol of Christ followers? The animal most commonly referred to in the Bible for describing God’s people is…sheep. Not quite as fearsome as a bear, lion or eagle, right?

The image of sheep isn't one Christ's followers would
prefer, but it is God's choice.

Sheep are virtually defenseless, having no claws or fangs. Male sheep – rams – may be able to butt rivals with their horns, but that’s the extent of a sheep’s aggression. They may be wooly, but not particularly wild. Nevertheless, we see the sheep analogy employed throughout the Bible.

For instance, Isaiah 53:6 states, “All of us, like sheep, have gone astray.” Anyone who’s been around these animals much understands how wayward sheep can easily get into trouble. This is why Matthew 9:36 tells us Jesus, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

As we observe society today and its continuing drift from Judeo-Christian values, some of us within the body of Christ would prefer the imagery of the bear, the lion, or even the eagle. Some of us often harbor a desire to fight back – to take back “territory” that’s been lost. But the idea of wandering, helpless sheep doesn’t inspire mobilizing, or taking the offensive.

As sheepish as it seems, this representation wasn’t an oversight on God’s part. The biblical words aren’t mistranslated. The Lord didn’t run out of symbolic options. Calling us His “sheep” was deliberate and purposeful. Because sheep must rely completely on the shepherd, and He wants us as His sheep to rely totally on Him. That’s emphasized repeatedly in the Scriptures.

In the well-known “shepherd’s psalm,” which many of us have heard from childhood, we’re told, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:1-2). God is our provider, our protector, our guide.

In a prophetic Old Testament passage, pointing to the coming Messiah, Isaiah declares, “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” This describes a kind, compassionate Shepherd, keeping diligent watch over the sheep under His eternal care.

Jesus used this metaphor to affirm He was the Messiah, the promised shepherd of God’s flock: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep…. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10: 11-27).

Why is this important? Because the idea of self-made Christians is an oxymoron; only God can make us the people He wants us to be. When circumstances in our lives spiral out of control, as they often do, He desires that we turn to Him in faith, unwavering trust and absolute dependence. Just as flocks of sheep do with their earthly shepherds. Independence is a sure ticket to calamity.

So, “sheep,” if you happen to be a part of a congregation called the Church of the Good Shepherd, or Good Shepherd Chapel, there’s good reason for that name. While you’re there, let the Good Shepherd restore your soul.