Growing up in America, it’s common to hear the tale about the “Boy Who Cried ‘Wolf’”—a cautionary tale about speaking the truth so that trust is established in times of great need. But under all that is the idea that a flock is incredibly vulnerable without the oversight of a shepherd. Entire livelihoods, ever since cattle herding existed, have been carved out by meeting this need. The sheep rely on their shepherd for guidance and protection. It is the shepherd who is able to recognize threats and take actionable steps toward mitigating them. King David as a shepherd boy fought off lions and bears for the sake of his flock. How much more will Christ protect those under his care!
