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- Apr 25, 2006
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Sheep smearer
'You anoint my head with oil' Psalm 23:5
In David's day, good shepherds used a little oil on their sheep. Why, I hear you ask? First, the oil would repel creepy crawlies - necessary because if bugs threw a party in a sheep's nose, the poor animal would be driven insane; the ewes would be too troubled to give baby lambs their milk; and before long the whole flock would be in a mess.
The good shepherd anoints the sheep to keep the enemy at bay and the flock at peace. Second, the oil works wonders on wounds. In the hustle and bustle of living with sheep, nicks and nips are common, resulting in cuts that can turn infectious unless treated. These lessons in ancient farming can teach us why we need to go to the Good Shepherd for His anointing.
Life's little bugs can get us in a mess, stopping us from growing. Jesus is the oil of peace for such times. Living with the flock (other Christians) can sometimes result in wounds.
The oil of healing is found in Jesus. So, before you try anything or anybody else, always go to the Good Shepherd: 'He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds' (Ps. 147:3 NIV). Remember, the sheep must bow their heads in order to let the shepherd apply the oil. So must you.
written by Bob Gass
'You anoint my head with oil' Psalm 23:5
In David's day, good shepherds used a little oil on their sheep. Why, I hear you ask? First, the oil would repel creepy crawlies - necessary because if bugs threw a party in a sheep's nose, the poor animal would be driven insane; the ewes would be too troubled to give baby lambs their milk; and before long the whole flock would be in a mess.
The good shepherd anoints the sheep to keep the enemy at bay and the flock at peace. Second, the oil works wonders on wounds. In the hustle and bustle of living with sheep, nicks and nips are common, resulting in cuts that can turn infectious unless treated. These lessons in ancient farming can teach us why we need to go to the Good Shepherd for His anointing.
Life's little bugs can get us in a mess, stopping us from growing. Jesus is the oil of peace for such times. Living with the flock (other Christians) can sometimes result in wounds.
The oil of healing is found in Jesus. So, before you try anything or anybody else, always go to the Good Shepherd: 'He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds' (Ps. 147:3 NIV). Remember, the sheep must bow their heads in order to let the shepherd apply the oil. So must you.
written by Bob Gass
