Devotion - Wednesday, April 10

John 10 is all about sheep and shepherds.  Even the ag students may have limited knowledge and experience with sheep.  They are a symbol for many of us of simplicity and purity, and we often see Jesus depicted as a shepherd.

Sheep are dependent upon a shepherd.  They follow where they are lead.  They learn to listen for their shepherd's voice.  Considering how much they are incapable of learning, that they can learn the particular pitch and tone of one voice is amazing.  It is as if God decided, "If they are only capable of knowing one thing, let's make that one thing the ability to recognize the voice of their shepherd."

You, of course, are capable of learning many more things.  Just yesterday, I was asked what I know about polymers.  I heard there is a special kind of math class for industrial engineering students.  You are capable of learning many things!  And in the excitement of learning those things, you might too quickly move past the most simple of things.  Among the things you are capable of learning, learn to list and memorize the most important things.

Listen for the voice of the shepherd, which is telling you that you do have someone watching over you.  Listen to the words of the shepherd, which warns you of dangers and possible pitfalls.  Hear the words which confirm how much you are loved and that you are accepted.

One of our alumni has an organic farm.  On this farm there are animals.  The one-year old daughter sees the pigs and the cows and the chickens, but stares at the little lambs.  She knows.  Those lambs have something to teach her.