Shepherd and Sheep

In economics, the “herd instinct” is often used to describe the tendency of economic individuals to conform and follow trends. The “herd instinct” illustrates that people have a conformity bias, which can easily lead to blind obedience, often resulting in scams or failures. Sheep do not act alone; they always prefer to follow the lead sheep. As a result, if the lead sheep falls off a cliff, the sheep behind will follow it to their death. Like sheep, people like to go with the flow, assuming that what the majority does is right. However, there is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death (Proverbs 14:12).

[Psalm 23:1] (A Psalm of David) “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

A “shepherd” lives with the flock all day long. The shepherd is the sheep’s guide, protector, and healer—in essence, everything to the sheep. Sheep lack the ability to find water and grass independently; therefore, the shepherd is also responsible for finding water and pasture for the flock. He knows where there is grass and where lions do not lie in ambush by the water, so the sheep can find “rest.” Likewise, the Lord Jesus is our “Good Shepherd.” He came that the sheep may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10), so those who follow Him will lack nothing.

Similarly, God makes us lie down in green pastures without a single worry, leading us beside still waters, providing for our body, mind, and spirit. In the future, He will also lead us to springs of living water (Revelation 7:17), granting us the eternal rest He provides.

Those in the world who reject God are like lost sheep, each going his own way (Isaiah 53:6). They believe they are shaking off restrictions and entering a realm of freedom, but they are actually entering a wilderness fraught with crisis: “They are appointed to the grave like sheep; Death shall be their shepherd” (Psalm 49:14).