One Shepherd
Today, protecting sheep from wolves is not simple because wolves are endangered. In the European Union, it is illegal to shoot a wolf without special permission. Even then, the wolf must be especially dangerous, and shootings are limited to six wolves per year. In one case, authorities authorized killing a wolf that had eaten 10 sheep and killed another 62 by frightening them over the edge of a ravine.

In America, the grey wolf was removed from the endangered species list in 2011. American ranchers have always been able to shoot a wolf attacking their flock, but now they can shoot a wolf on sight. In the Bible, wolves symbolize various dangers. Jesus warned His disciples that

He was sending them out into the world “as sheep in the midst of wolves,” or men who would persecute them (Matthew 10:16). Jesus also called false prophets wolves: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

While instructing the overseers of the Ephesian church, Paul warned of another problem: shepherds behaving like wolves. “After my departure savage wolves will come in among you. … Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:28–30).

Nevertheless, Jesus will not leave His sheep at the mercy of ravenous wolves or untrustworthy shepherds. God promises that He will gather together all the scattered sheep: “And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land.… I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them ... You are My flock, the flock of my pasture; you are men, and I am your God” (Ezekiel 34:13, 23, 31). That one shepherd is Jesus, “the good shepherd” (John 10:11).
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. John 10:16
One Shepherd Today, protecting sheep from wolves is not simple because wolves are endangered. In the European Union, it is illegal to shoot a wolf without special permission. Even then, the wolf must be especially dangerous, and shootings are limited to six wolves per year. In one case, authorities authorized killing a wolf that had eaten 10 sheep and killed another 62 by frightening them over the edge of a ravine. In America, the grey wolf was removed from the endangered species list in 2011. American ranchers have always been able to shoot a wolf attacking their flock, but now they can shoot a wolf on sight. In the Bible, wolves symbolize various dangers. Jesus warned His disciples that He was sending them out into the world “as sheep in the midst of wolves,” or men who would persecute them (Matthew 10:16). Jesus also called false prophets wolves: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). While instructing the overseers of the Ephesian church, Paul warned of another problem: shepherds behaving like wolves. “After my departure savage wolves will come in among you. … Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:28–30). Nevertheless, Jesus will not leave His sheep at the mercy of ravenous wolves or untrustworthy shepherds. God promises that He will gather together all the scattered sheep: “And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land.… I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them ... You are My flock, the flock of my pasture; you are men, and I am your God” (Ezekiel 34:13, 23, 31). That one shepherd is Jesus, “the good shepherd” (John 10:11). KEY BIBLE TEXTS And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. John 10:16
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