Checking out your sole
It's ironic that I last wrote about no longer trying to drag reluctant congregants in the way I would have them go, and today in preparing for my Sunday sermon I ran across an article on herding sheep. But in reading about sheep and sheep herding, I began to think about what a messy business it is. We lived on a sheep farm at one time. Sheep are stubborn, smelly and you need to watch your step when you are around them. Which led me to the lame pun in the title of this post.
You see, shepherds don’t simply pick up their staff, march out into the flock and announce, “All right guys, we’re going this way. Line up and follow me!” Sheep, like people, just are not that obedient. They are not led; they are driven.
The shepherd needs to stomp out in their midst and shoo them in the direction he wants them to go. The shepherd then spends time chasing down rebels, turning them in the right direction. A good shepherd knows that his job is to be in the middle of the flock, or bringing up the rear. A good shepherd also knows the value of a good set of boots to wade through the muck.
Jesus models what it means to be the “good shepherd.” Jesus was always in the midst of messy situations. He started his life in a stable. Jesus had no illusions about what being a shepherd to a flock of headstrong, obstinate sheep meant. Jesus was always "stepping in it," prodding and poking religious authorities, his disciples and all his listeners, driving them to conclusions that they didn't want to consider, keeping them on the right track.
Too often Christmas is presented all clean and white. The sights and sounds of fluffy sheep, singing angels, falling snow, cute babies and beautiful concerts fill our Christmas sanctuaries. But let's not forget where Jesus was really born.
If we are to follow Jesus example, then we are to be engaged in the messy business of life. We need to be willing to get our shoes dirty. If you are just "leading the pack," staying out in front of all the problems and details that the flock can produce, then you're not in the right place. Christian ministry isn't about staying out in front .... it's about staying in touch.