For several weeks in May I had a small flock of sheep in the rear of the Vicarage garden to help with the long grass which had grown so much my mower could not cope with it. I am grateful to the Hamilton family for letting me use some of their flock.
Sheep and shepherds are a common symbol in Holy Scripture and our beloved Book of Common Prayer. We have only to drive a short distance from Waterlooville to the South Downs and see sheep grazing. They are hardy, patient, humble, and I have discovered, trusting creatures, all qualities which we Christians should try to emulate in our own lives. Sheep are highly valued too, providing wool, which brought so much wealth to England in the Middle Ages that many of our cathedrals and churches were built on the proceeds, even the Chancellor sits on the 'woolsack' in the House of Lords. They also provide meat, leather and milk in some cultures and I have a lovely picture of a shepherd high up in the mountains of Turkey from my recent visit. Looking at the sheep in my garden, reminded me also of the 'herding instinct', something we Christians need to do in this present age of unbelief! We should stick together and be proud of our common faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
When we think of ourselves as part of the herd or flock of Christ, it is a reminder that the shepherd often walks in front of the flock, showing the way and clearing obstacles from the path. Christ is our shepherd, not driving us from behind, but standing in front encouraging us on and making the way straight before us.
Like sheep, we need to be led by Christ our great shepherd. Like sheep, we are sent out among wolves. Like sheep, Christ cares for us as a shepherd cares for his sheep. Like sheep, we may be offered up to slaughter (martyrdom). All of these images from the pages of the gospels ˜ look them up for yourself.
Finally, we must always remember that Christ our shepherd became one of us, 'a lamb without blemish', offered up on the altar of the cross like the sheep who were offered up on the altar of the Temple in Jerusalem. He is our Good Shepherd and Lamb of God, both priest and sacrifice. This imagery is a reminder to us, as His Body, that we are called to be both servants and leaders, energetic and not apathetic members of the priesthood of all believers.
So when you next have your roast leg of lamb at Sunday lunch, think about the importance of sheep in the history of God's people.
With my prayers and blessing,
Your priest and friend.
written by Fr Malcolm Ferrier
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