I have observed cattle many times, and though at one time I could not have told you which was a bull, heifer, or a cow, I can now. These animals still amaze me how they know when their master (in the human sense) is around. My friend raises Angus cattle. While recuperating from a broken shoulder, he would go with me as I helped feed his cattle. But one thing very endearing, at least to me, is how literally hundreds of cars will pass by his ranch, which is located just off the highway, and his cattle never look up until they hear the sound of his truck. Then, and only then, when they hear that “certain” sound, will they look up and pay attention. They then follow their master and the sound of his truck, under a bridge, which leads to the south side of the highway, and all the way up a very long hill to the feed troughs. Is is there they have fresh hay, cottonseed, and the best feed money can buy. His cattle know his voice and follow him.
He bought a new bull this past year whom he calls Jr. He started feeding him in one of his pens until the bull became familiar with his new surroundings. Since that time, the bull has learned his master’s habits and voice, and now awaits him just across the fence, to be fed each time he comes across the highway. Jr. follows him or looks over the fence if his master is busy doing other chores, and waits until his master feeds him. The bull will have nothing to do with any other. He is faithful to his master.
When our Master calls, do we heed Him, or do we listen to the false voices which have no nourishing feed for our souls? Our Master has spiritual food for our souls, and there in the fertile green pastures where we are fed. Just as cattle flee from strangers, so we should flee when wolves come into the flock dressed in sheep’s clothing. We cannot discern between wolves in sheep’s clothing if we do not feed upon the Master’s Word. When we feed upon nourishing food which sustains us nd fills us, we have no use for pretend nourishment.
“Then came the Jews round about Him, and said unto Him, How long dost Thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of My sheep, as I said unto you My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:24-30
“I Am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11
“My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place.” Jeremiah 50:6
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Sureley goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalms 23:1-6
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in Fsheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:15
Be aware of your feed which is Scripture, follow your Master, and be around those who are of righteous influence on our lives. You will not be led astray.
“For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if ye will hear His voice, Harden not your heat, as in the day of provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My work.” Psalm 95: 7-9
Eileen Light