| THE SHEEP Matt. 25:31-34 |
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| The immediate context of this passage is that of the judgement of the living nations at the end of the Tribulation period. The basis of this judgement is how these nations will treat Israel during the Tribulation. Even in this context the type holds true as it does throughout the Word of God. Sheep are a type of the saved - the saints of God. There are certain characteristics of sheep that bear observatin in the saints. I. Sheep are docile in nature. Sheep by nature are not aggressive animals. The ram will fight, but more in protection of his household than out of ambition. Ps. 23:2 states that "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." It is not the nature of the sheep to mill about, causing a commotion and disturbance. This is not so much a matter of laziness but of attitude. Paul in 2 Tim. 2:24-26 makes plain that God's servants "must not strive; but be gentle unot all men." If you look at these verses carefully you will find that Paul is not building a case for compromise or for weakness. He is talking about attitude of heart. There is no room for a "dog eat dog" philosophy. The fruit of the spirit is among other things "longsuffering, gentleness, goodness." Gal. 5:22, 23 It is not the nature of sheep to be unkind, belligerent, or vindictive. When a believer acts in this manner, he is operating in the flesh and not according to the new nature of the sheep. II. Sheep Are Dependent in Needs. A. Physically - Ps. 23:1,2 Sheep are never in need or want because they are in the care of the shepherd. Ps. 37:25. Sheep will not lie down unless satisfied as fa as hunger is concerned. This is why green pastures are provided. Sheep are not capable of finding their own pasture, thus the good Shepherd finds and leads. sheep are insensitive as to safety in finding a means to slack their thirst, so the Shepherd leads them to still waters. B. Spiritually - Ps. 23:3 To be restored when fallen shows the tenderness of the Shepherd. Ps. 37:23,24. To be lead in the right paths is a necessity since we are so prone to wander away. (Isa. 53:6) A sheep must be lead because he has not th ewsdom to choose his own way. Thus we are in dire need of the Shepherd's guidance. (John 10:27) C. Povidentially - Ps. 23:4,5 The presence of the Shepherd allays our fears. (2 Tim. 1:7, 1 John 4:18) and gives an over flow of joy (Ps. 16:11). His power puts the enemy to shame (Deut. 33:26-29; John 10:28, 29). His preson by means of the Holy Spirit heals the wounds of the parasites, and eases the friction between brethren hence the annointing of the oil. III. Sheep are Domesticated in Niche (Position in Life) A. The right of personal property is the Lord's (Ps. 23:1; PS. 95:7; 1 Corth. 6:19, 20). The right of punitive perogative is the Lord's. The rod and staff can correct as well as comfort. (Heb. 12:6, 7) The right of permanent position in His sheepfold is ours. Ps. 23:6 |
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