Day 4 – Other Sheep

In John 10:16, Jesus, speaking to His disciples says, “And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd” (NASB). I hear in this text the vastness of God’s care for humanity. To “other sheep,” Jesus places no limit (geographical, ethnical, theological, or other). Likewise, is no limit to “they will become one flock.”

I grew up in a religious family in the middle of the last century. I benefited greatly from growing up in that environment. I learned right from wrong. I learned the importance of leading a productive life with a strong moral compass. Upon reflection, however, I have come to recognize a sense of exclusivity and dogmatism that was a part of that religious experience.

I was taught that my church was the only “true” church. That members of any other church worshiped the beast or had the “mark” of the beast or its image. I learned that one should be able to recognize a good Christian, a “true” Christian, by their appearance, their clothing and adornment. To be seen carrying a Bible to church was a mark of true Christianity.

I learned to be wary of the practices and literature of other churches. One day, as a child, I was riding my bicycle past what I believed to be a “false” church. Crossing the street was a large black tarantula. I was so certain of the “rightness” of my own church that I was convinced that creature must have been the spirit of Satan.

Today, in our country, we are in a culture war. Culture warriors appear to believe that “I am right and anyone who disagrees with me is wrong.” Dogmatism reigns. Around the world, God’s children are suffering and dying in wars brought about because of religious, cultural, and ethnic hatreds. Can we stand up and speak up for what is right and defy such judgmentalism and dogmatism?

Jesus’ statement regarding “other sheep” should remind us all that we are never in a position to judge others because they believe differently. I have learned to appreciate and respect others with different beliefs. I can only judge myself.

In whose fold do I dwell? Is it in Jesus’ fold? What about my Catholic or Baptist neighbor? My nonreligious neighbor? My Muslim neighbor. In whose fold do they dwell? To whose voice do they listen?

Allow me to share a story. I belong to a small group of retirees who enjoy golfing together once or twice each week. Sadly, the wife of a friend from our group experienced major health problems over the span of some years. She suffered strokes, lost her sight, lost her ability to move about, and eventually lost her ability to take care of herself. He became her primary caregiver. I was amazed how my friend stood up under those demands while witnessing her suffering. She passed away recently, and I spoke to him, expressing my sympathy and my amazement at the courage he has revealed over the years. He responded with these words. “Yes, it has been a journey, but I am thankful to the Lord for taking my beloved wife. She is in heaven with no pain and can move and see perfectly. Thanks be to God.”

My point of view about death may differ, nevertheless, his words touched me. After years of heartache and stress he finds comfort in his beliefs. So, I ask, in what sheepfold does he dwell? The fold of Jesus? This man spent a career teaching kids with disabilities and became his wife’s caregiver. Whose voice does he hear?

Here is another story about a young woman dear to my heart. She admits doubts of the existence of a creator God. Yet she is one of the most selfless, caring, and loving persons that I know. Her many friends experience her love and unselfish care. I don’t believe there is a selfish bone in her body. Whose voice does she hear? In whose sheepfold does she dwell?

The words of Jesus, “I have other sheep,” comfort me. They encourage me to I remember that I am not without fault, nor will I ever be. They encourage me to look at the goodness of others and realize that God’s Spirit does speak to all. Who listens? I must.