The Sheepdog
"They [sheepdogs] should not be allowed the privileges of a pet. Their job is to bond with the sheep, not the shepherd." Sheep 101
I stumbled upon this while researching shepherding and sheep. Often when we think of shepherding, we only think of two things: the sheep and the shepherd. But a flock consists of more than these two items. In actuality, there are usually five key elements of a flock. One of these is the sheepdog.
The breed can vary, as do some of the dog's specific tasks. (Some are more for herding, others strictly for guarding.) But overall the sheepdog's task is to guide and guard the flock.
The sheepdog is critical to the protection of the sheep. He can't be just some ol' lazy dog with no gumption or go-to. And he can't be some wired up, tripped up canine who causes chaos and confusion wherever he goes. His presence should calm the sheep, not unsettle them. He must be keen and aware. Relaxed but quick to respond. Most importantly, he must be bonded with the sheep.
The life of a shepherd is no doubt a lonely one. Consider the lives of Moses and David - and the many years they spent out with their flocks - usually with little or no human contact. How easy it would be to find company with "man's best friend!" This, however, is a dangerous temptation and can have dire consequences.
Because the moment that the sheepdog bonds more with its master than its flock, it will easily protect only the shepherd, leaving the sheep vulnerable and open to prey.
Sheepdogs weren't family pets. They were (are) not man's best friend in these scenarios. Contrary to what we may think, their role was not to protect the shepherd or provide him company. Their main task was to be with, guide and guard the flock.
As spiritual leaders, there are so many cues to be taken from this lesson! Our job as leaders is not to be simply bonded to one another, watching each other's backs. Our job as shepherds of the Lord's flock is to guide and guard the sheep. Our main purpose is to protect them, not each other.
No doubt a good sheepdog would come to the aid of his shepherd master. But the point remains: his main charge was the sheep. It was the shepherd's job to care for the entirety of his flock, and that meant sacrificing the luxury of his own personal watchdog to guarantee the safety of his flock.
Indeed, that is the mark of a Good Shepherd! (And a good sheepdog as well.)
Michelle Lynn Nipp
I believe God wrote a wondrous story – His story – to capture the hearts and minds of all His creation. My passion is sharing this story! Through word studies, bible teaching and other resources, I want to see you experience the absolute awesomeness and wonder of history’s greatest story, the Bible.