If you’ve ever spent time watching sheep, you see quickly they aren’t animals that might be described as “intelligent”. Dogs yes, dolphins, apes, ravens - for each one you might say “Wow, look how they did that! So smart.” Not sheep.
Sheep are notorious for accidentally dying. If they get too hot they can die. If they wander off into a new field of clover and eat too much, they can die. If they think a dog might attack but it actually won’t, they can die. We are like sheep. There are many, many ways we can go astray.
“We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; But the Lord laid upon him the guilt of us all. Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; Like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth. Because he surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; and he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses.” Isaiah 53: 6-7, 12
On this Good Friday I think a lot about the Good Shepherd who humbled himself, became a sheep and endured death in order to deliver his flock from their own waywardness. The Shepherd became not just any lamb, but the paschal lamb whose blood is painted upon the lintel of humanity so that the Angel of Death might passover.
And as we all do, I look forward in hope to the resurrection that is soon to come. For the Good Shepherd will come out of the tomb, his burial clothes folded and set aside not to be used again, having conquered death for our sake.
“Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15: 55-58
We are like sheep, but we are not sheep. We have good, intelligent work to do. Be fully devoted to the work of the Lord. Know that your labor is not in vain. And this weekend especially, know that the greatest work has already been done for us.
I pray you have the holiest of holy days this weekend. May you grieve the death of Jesus Christ today and rejoice Sunday! Victory over death has been won.
Much love,
Nate
P.S. If you are looking for quiet music to reflect with, I highly recommend Rachmaninoff’s All Night Vigil or Morten Lauridsen’s Light Eternal. Here is my playlist on Apple Music.