I have been told that every culture has its own mythical image of itself, usually drawn from some romantic past. Thus, the British think of themselves as the noble Knight-philosophers of the Round Table, the Scandinavians as the Vikings, and the Americans as the free-spirited Cowboys.
In all of world history, biblical Israel is the only nation that identified themselves as Sheep. By doing so, they were proclaiming their dependence on a “good shepherd” – a leader who could protect them from the dangers swirling around them. And so, King David writes, “The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. … Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:1-4).
The gospel writer, John, records Jesus asserting that he is the “good shepherd” because he is willing to lay down his life for the sheep. In other words, the shepherd’s commitment to the sheep is total and without any reservations, whereas a hired hand only cares about himself and runs when the wolf comes.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.” (John 10:11-12).
As we carefully study these verses, we discover that it is the shepherd’s job to take care of the wolf. The wolf is not the sheep’s problem but the shepherd’s concern. The sheep’s primary problem and effort is to stay near the shepherd, always in the shadow of the shepherd’s protection.
But therein lies the problem for many of us Americans. We “cowboys” do not like to think of ourselves as being dependent on anyone or anything outside ourselves for protection. We “cowboys” can take care of ourselves, or so we think.
When evil and temptations come knocking on our door, it is not our nature to let a “protector shepherd” answer it for us. Even though Jesus, who wants to be our “good shepherd” is standing nearby, our do-it-myself” attitude prompts us to deal with the devil in our own way and strength.
Invariably, when we do attempt such response, we get seriously hurt, if not totally destroyed. We are no match for a wolf. We are sheep, not cowboys. We need a “good shepherd” who will lay down his life for us. Let us stay close to his protecting, providing presence!
The following prayer-hymn reminds me that I am not a “cowboy” but a “sheep” in need of a shepherd.
Gen-tle Shep-herd, come and lead us, for we need you to help us find our way.
Gen-tle Shep-herd, come and feed us, for we need your strength from day to day.
There’s no oth-er we can turn to who can help us face an-oth-er day.
Gen-tle Shep-herd, come and lead us, for we need you to help us find our way.
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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – February 8, 2023
Ray M. Geigley
Healing Rays of Righteousness 
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