Norma Budden-Aningat
Guest columnist Kivalliq News

"For ye were as sheep going astray: but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." 1 Peter 2:25

God could have compared us to lions. Many people have nasty tempers and I've heard some people roar like lions, devastating the hearts of those closest to them.

He could have compared us to cats. People purr when they're happy and have been known to swipe at others when they're not.

What about a dog? We think of a dog as man's best friend. Why didn't God compare us to dogs? Why didn't He think of us as being loyal to those around us?

He could have compared us to parrots. After all, many people are known to repeat what others tell them, whether or not the information is told in confidence.

But God didn't compare us to any of these animals.

He compared us to sheep. Why?

Whether sheep are little or mature, they will always need a shepherd.

A sheep will always be prone to wander and stray from safety.

A sheep will not think in terms of consequences. It follows curiosity, which often leads to dangerous situations.

Without a loving shepherd to guide the sheep, they would be scattered in all directions.

They would be alone and unable to defend themselves.

Without a shepherd who understands his sheep, they would be abused and would not trust their shepherd.

They would also go astray more often because the shepherd wouldn't be able to predict when and where the sheep might stray.

Without a loving shepherd, the sheep would not feel cherished and protected.

There would be no joy in their hearts at seeing their shepherd.

Depending upon the shepherd's actions, the sheep may feel scared and skittish upon seeing him.

Sheep are fragile creatures. They are meek and humble.

It would not take long for them to mistrust their shepherd if he abused or neglected them.

Sheep need to be led to green pastures where they can find rest in the heat of the day.

They need to be fed and led to streams of cool water.

They need to trust their shepherd because he is the only one who can protect them from fear and harm.

They need to know their shepherd loves them, unconditionally, to be able to trust him.

Most importantly, because sheep are prone to going astray, they need to know their shepherd forgives them and will search for them if they get lost.

It's the same with humans. Jesus is our Shepherd. He is loving, caring and understanding.

He leads us on paths which won't bring harm or fear to our souls.

He forgives us each time we go off the beaten path, and is willing to hold and comfort us until we find the strength to walk again.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He loves us so much more than any human shepherd loves his sheep.

Jesus loves all of us, but He searches for the lost sheep.

He calls to them, hoping they will hear His voice and answer His call.

The Good Shepherd doesn't like for one sheep to be outside of the safety of the fold.

Until next time, Norma.

- Norma Budden-Aningat is an Arviat author and songwriter. Her Web site is www.livingadream.biz