Sheep Paths
Generations of sheep have made tracks in our neighbour's paddock just outside
our fence. Year after year, the sheep walk in single file to parts of the
paddock essential to their needs. Their water supply, particular shade places
where they rest during the day and their special feeding areas are joined
together by a network of narrow tracks.
The tracks of generations past are their guide and the same paths are followed
by each generation of sheep and are learned by their lambs. Wherever there are
sheep, they take the same patterns with them and set up the same habits as their
ancestors.
The importance of ancestral paths cannot be underestimated and the Lord knows
it. He often refers to us as the sheep of his flock but he goes further, he
likens himself to a good shepherd.
When I look over the fence and see how the sheep and lambs follow the paths of
their ancestors I hear the voice of my shepherd in the Scriptures. He said in
John 10:27: 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.'
Most importantly, he is the One who was 'slain from the foundation of the
world,' and who came back from the dead because of an eternal covenant known
to our ancestors.
'The God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back
from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep.' (Hebrews
13:20).
Our ancestral paths lead us to eternal life so never, never underestimate them.
By Just a Minute team writer Elizabeth Price.
You can contact Elizabeth direct at mailto:reprice@dragnet.com.au