One of the joys of living here on the farm is watching the sheep. They really are crazy creatures. It’s fun to watch them graze, follow each other around the field, kneel on their front paws to munch on luscious grass, and take off running when they hear the sound of the tractor or four-wheeler bringing breakfast. I admit I’ve laughed a lot surveying these peculiar beasts.

Recently, the farmer has been shifting sheep from field to field, especially with the birth of several new lambs. (They’re so adorable!). One day last week, some of the younger sheep (around one year old) were in the pasture right beside our driveway. When Jason and I drove up and parked the car, the sheep came running toward us, each of them bellowing their “I’m hungry; feed me” call. The entire flock came right up to the fence, fussing and complaining about wanting their supper. Evidently, they couldn’t distinguish between our little hatchback and the farmer’s four-wheeler.

We laughed at the commotion, and Jason told the sheep, “Sorry, we don’t have anything for you.” At the sound of his voice, the sheep immediately quieted. For a moment, they stared at us in confusion. Then, when Jason spoke again, assuring them they were in the wrong place for supper, they all turned and walked away. It was as if the moment he spoke, all confusion was gone. The sheep identified that he was not their shepherd, and they left.

I immediately thought of this passage in the book of John:

“But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”

— John 10:2-5

Sheep are not bright creatures. They’re cute, funny, and tasty (sorry, but it’s true). But, bright? Not so much. Yet even they recognize the voice of their shepherd. These sheep may have been confused by what they saw. They might not have realized the difference between a car and a tractor. But, Jason’s voice cleared all confusion. Immediately, the sheep knew he was not their shepherd and turned back.

If only we were that smart. How many times have we been duped into following the wrong crowd? Listening to the wrong voice. Confusing friend with foe. Right with wrong. Good with bad. How many times have we wandered after something that looked right only to discover—after it was too late—the thing wasn’t right at all? Or worse yet, how often have we followed after someone or something, knowing all along that it wasn’t our Shepherd nor was it pleasing to our Shepherd, but we did it anyway simply because we wanted to?

The truth is, we give sheep a hard time, but I believe there’s a reason the Lord refers to us as His sheep. He’s not being unkind, just honest. Sometimes we’re not the brightest crayons in the box if you know what I mean. We would do well to follow the example set by the sheep and heed our Shepherd’s voice—no imitations or substitutions. And when we find ourselves being drawn to something or someone that isn’t our Shepherd, we would do well to shake off our confusion and walk away. After all, if it’s not what our Shepherd has for us, we’re much better off without it.