"I know he awaits at the threshold, don't let him in, no, don't let him in. Though he is dressed like the rest of us, he has the Jackal's eyes, the Jackal's eyes!" -The Un-Manifest by Haste the Day
I'd like you to read the following Bible passage, but first I want to set a tone. The Bible is a beautifully written Book. The analogies and parables contained insided are not rivaled by any mere man-made work. Read this passage, and focus. Focus on the beauty of the content.
[7] So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. [8] All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. [9] I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. [13] He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. (John 10:7-16 ESV)
We are the Sheep. Jesus is the Shepherd. Look at the italics and see just how much beauty Jesus creates to draw a comparison for the love He has for His sheep.
Shepherds were shepherds from birth. In biblical times, they lived and breathed sheep. I'm sure as a young man growing up with a particular flock of sheep would merit the same emotional connection as a child growing up with a puppy. The love a shepherd had for his sheep went several layers deep. The sheep were the shepherd's livlihood, and he would do anything to protect them from wolves and other threats such as thieves and murderers. A constant watch had to be kept in order to ensure the flock's safety. If one went missing, a good shepherd would go off to fetch it after making sure the other sheep were safe in their pen. Just as a sword is an extension of a Samurai's self, the flock was an extension of the shepherd, going where he commands, and guided with skill and precision. He takes the sheep where the grazing is good. He doesn't deliberately lead them off cliffs or through thickets, but sometimes the sheep wandered. After all, sheep are stupid. If a sheep is leading the flock, and it jumps over a stick, the following flock will proceed to jump over the stick even if the stick is removed.
The point is sheep need a Shepherd to survive well. Sheep are defenseless. We are defenseless. Ever felt that way? Re-read the passage and double check me on this: Jesus will do anything for His sheep. He will do anything for us. Just as a good shepherd loves his sheep, so Jesus love His children. Jesus even mentions that there are some of His sheep not in the fold. Does this refer to those that currently don't believe in Jesus' sacrifice that will within their lifetime? Some will also say this is Christ referring to the liberation of the Gentiles through His death on the cross. However you want to look at it, if you're unsaved, Jesus has His eyes on you too. Eyes of love. Eyes screaming repentance to bring you into a love of Jesus rather than a fear or anxiety of Him.
I guess the bottom line is for us all to wake up to the struggles that are in the world. The wolves are coming to try to steal from the fold. Don't let them in, no don't let them in. Rather look to the Good Shepherd for protection, and He will give it to you without hesitation.
Now, Redeemed, arise! Stand up! Take your place with Jesus and the beauty He has bestowed on His followers!
