Sheep, Goats, and Wolves

Acts 20:28-29

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock.

Paul was not long for this life, and he knew it. As he prepared to leave Ephesus for the last time, he left a message for the leaders of the churches there: feed the flock and protect them from wolves.

As a young minister I was taught about sheep, goats, and wolves in the church. The sheep are your flock, God has entrusted them to you to feed, guide and protect.

Every now and then your church will get goats. Goats are nice, but they aren’t going to stay forever. Feed them and protect them, but don’t be surprised when they leave. It’s what they do.

Finally, there will be wolves. The only reason a wolf is in your church is to prey on the sheep and goats and cause confusion. You must protect the flock from the wolves.

It is the same for every Christian, minister or not. You need to protect the people in your life from wolves. The wolves of false gospels, false ideas, and evil masquerading as truth. Now, more than ever, Christians must be the voice that rings out above the din and noise of the devil’s shouting, and the wolf’s snarling!

We are called to change the world. Let’s start by protecting the people around us.

Today’s Readings: Job 15; Acts 19,20

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