SHEEP

Genesis 29:7-8 Then he said, “Look, it is still high day; it is not time for the cattle to be gathered together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them.” But they said, “We cannot until all the flocks are gathered together, and they have rolled the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep.”

INSIGHT -In Hebrew, sheep means lamb, pasture, sacrifice, Israelites, property, meek, holiness if white,
-This passage figuratively reflects the beginning of church ministry after Jesus’ death & resurrection.
-Rolling of stone from the water well represents rolling of Jesus’ tomb stone. Well & water represents source of life & the Word of God. Flock represent God’s people (church). -In John 21:17, Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved Him. Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. This was after His resurrection & the 3rd time to appear to His disciples. In Mat 16:18, Jesus said you are Peter, the rock upon which I will built my church.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I love You with all my heart, strength & might. Water my heart with Your word so that I may always draw resources from Your well. Direct me to feed Your sheep with my word & actions as I continue to glorify Your Holy Name each day. Amen

Deuteronomy 15:19 “All the firstborn males that come from your herd and your flock you shall sanctify to the Lord your God; you shall do no work with the firstborn of your herd, nor shear the firstborn of your flock.

INSIGHT -It was law that all first born animals were to be sanctified to the Lord. Sheep was not to be sheered before sanctification. Sheep was more valuable than land in Israel. -In Deut 18:4, The firstfruits of your grain and your new wine and your oil, and the first of the wool of your sheep, was given to the priests as offering.
-In Exodus 11:5, all the firstborn in the land of Egypt man & animals shall die in the 10th plague(10th month/passover). -Passover was commemorated in Nisan/10th month where male first borns were offered to serve in the temple among Levites, first fruit & first born animals offered as well.

PRAYER: Abba Father, You have reminded us to preserve the first of everything to You. Guide us to give our offering as You please. Sanctify our land, lineage & bodies with Your blood so that we may be spotless in Your eyes. Amen

Luke 15:6-7 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

INSIGHT -This was the parable of the lost sheep, which explained the importance of repentance.
-In Psa 119:176, I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.

PRAYER: Christ my Father, thank You for reminding me that I am valuable in Your kingdom. I have gone astray like lost sheep, please forgive me. May Your commandments & need for repentance always dwell with me so that there is much rejoicing in heaven. Amen

Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

INSIGHT -Jesus habitually used symbols to convey pertinent messages. Sheep is symbolized as meek, serpent as wise & dove as harmless. -In Isaiah 53:7, He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers in silence. Jesus suffered, was crucified & buried in silence/humility but obtained eternal victory for us all. -In Job 42:12, Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; for he had 14000 sheep, 6000 camels, 1000 yoke of oxen, and 1000 female donkeys. Job went through much suffering as a just man but perserved & he was blessed abundantly.

PRAYER: Father Lord, create in me a heart of humility & strength to perserve through all tribulations. I seek Your wisdom, meekness & full armor in my Christian life. Bless me, my family, neighbours & nation just like Job for Your blessing addeth no sorrows. Journey with us as we seek to obtain eternal victory with You at the end of time. Amen

John 10:14-15 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.

INSIGHT -Jesus was talking about His relationship with God & His believers. God loved us to sacrifice His son for us, Jesus also shows us love & mercy everyday. -John 1:29, The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! -Sheep symbolises Christians, humility/meekness, sacrifice, sons/daughters of God & Jesus Christ as the lamb of God.

PRAYER: Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, thank You for Your love & mercy upon my life. You are the good shephard lead me to the living water like You led the prodigal son to the father. Cleance me from all unrighteousness. May my spirit be always in communion with You for I glory & praise You forever. Amen

Our Father who at in Heaven; Hallow be thy Name……

Please meditate on the theme, Sheep