Stay in the protection of the flock

“not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 NIV

In an article titled, "Watch: Flock of Sheep Follow Runner on the Trail" posted recently, the following was reported: One trail runner recently had an animal encounter of a different kind. Thankfully, nothing baaa-d happened. The runner found she was being followed by an entire flock of sheep. Artist Eleanor Scholz came across the runner—and about 100 new friends—while hiking in central France, near Puy de Dôme. The two woman chatted for a while about the situation before it was time for the runner to get going. After all, you gotta get your miles in! As she went on her way, entire flock of sheep continued following close behind. “She’s a shepherdess now,” Scholz commented. According to Sheep 101, sheep instinctually gravitate toward flocking behavior. “They will run from what frightens them and band together in large groups for protection. This is the only protection they have from predators. There is safety in numbers.” Do you just love that story or what?

And, you know, while the story doesn't reveal what might have frightened the sheep, it does confirm that sheep have a natural predisposition to band together for protection; something the Lord’s sheep (that’s you and me) need to be doing as we look around at our world and “see the Day approaching.” You see, the Bible is very clear that Jesus is coming back but it’s also very clear that we will face many hardships—like wars, insurrections, famines, plagues, and persecution—before He does. This is the very reason we must make the time to fellowship and “band together” with our brothers and sisters while we wait for His return. We will need one another’s support, encouragement, prayer, and protection like never before. 

So if you’ve gotten out of the habit of “meeting together” with fellow believers, I urge you to do a 180 today and return to the flock. As we see more and more signs that “the Day” is approaching, you’ll be so glad you did. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there is safety in numbers. And that while You are our Great Defender and our Shepherd, we need to be in the company of the flock You have given us. Stir our hearts to trust You and to meet with our brothers and sisters at every opportunity so that we would have no need to fear what’s coming. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

 
Happy Running!