I don't think I ever really put my brain around my NEED to serve until I heard it put in the context of the Sheepdog. The Sheepdog does what God created it to do.
Often, when we marvel at the heroic actions of some, or we catch our breath at the tragedy that has befallen a hero and his family, we fail to remember that these heroes were doing what God created them to do.
I wrote the following about the concept of Sheepdogs as protectors when I put together the basic outline of what our business would look like.
I hope you enjoy reading it, and get something from it. You can send folks here to check it out, or you can send them to www.sheepdogtees.com , or they can find it (and like us) on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheepdogtees
Scott
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SHEEPDOG SIGNIFICANCE
There are wolves. There are sheep. And there are Sheepdogs.
There are hundreds of references to shepherds and sheep in the Bible. In both literal and parabolic context, sheep represent innocence, goodness, purity, and even weakness. Similarly, wolves and other predators represent evil, wrongdoing, deceit and ugliness. In Psalms 23, David refers to the Lord as his Shepherd. In the New Testament, there are references to Christ as both Lamb and the Shepherd. As our Great Shepherd, God promises to look after His flock.
Additionally, throughout history there is much documentation of the important role that Sheepdogs held in their relationship to the shepherd and his flock. Always vigilant. Loyal. Tirelessly performing the thankless duty of protecting the flock. Why? Because that's what God created Sheepdogs to do. This is their calling.
Much time has passed, and many things have changed since the earliest mention of Abel, son of Adam, as the first keeper of sheep. Wolves, however, still persist in their desire to bring harm and wrong to the world. Daily, there is a struggle, where only the strength and will of the chosen few can ensure the victory of good over evil.
Good remains victorious only because there are still those who are called. Those born to serve. Those who will stand against the evil that threatens the flock. They protect the weak. They defend the innocent. They will run toward the danger from which others flee. They will proactively seek out those who would harm their flock, and destroy them. They will, if necessary, give their lives in defense of their flock.
They are our first responders. They are our front line. They are our first, and sometimes our last and only defense. Military, Police, Fire, and others. Our neighbors, our friends, our brothers and sisters. They are to be revered, heralded as heroes. They are to be lifted up as servants of the Great Shepherd, and to be honored when in their midst.
They are SHEEPDOGS.
"As the Shepherd knows me, even so I know Him; and I lay down my life for His flock"
John 10:15
