Sheep and Goats
When I started courting Malc (now my husband) I soon realised, he was into different music than I was. Mine was all soft and romance – Malc’s was all loud and guitars.
But I do remember listening to his Genesis records and in particular the album “The Lamb lies down on Broadway” and I really loved the songs. But the title track in particular really struck a chord with me and seems to speak of how Jesus who is called the Lamb of God, who laid down His life for many. (Mark 10:45).
The song also speaks about the sheep and the goats and it was not until years later after we had both invited Jesus into our hearts, had repented of sin, and were born again, that the words to that song hit home. The words are based upon the parable of the sheep and goats which Jesus told and can be found in Matthew 25:31-46. In this parable, Jesus uses the example of a shepherd who separates the sheep from his goats in order to help his followers to understand what Judgement will be like.
Goats and sheep are often very similar in appearance. But they are also very different. The parable is a picture of how they can be confused as the same thing but the goats are separated to the shepherd's left hand - a picture of people who will not repent of sin, and the sheep, faithful to follow the shepherd having repented of sin, who are separated to the shepherd’s right hand, the place of protection and safety.
In the coming final judgement, the goats - those who remain on the left, are taken away to face personal judgement. But the sheep, those who have followed the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and have repented of their sin, those who have remained faithful and followed Jesus – these will reign with Him in the glory of heaven.
I really wonder, when I think back over those years how much that song – and others like it were used by the Lord to draw me (and thankfully Malc, a little after me) to Himself. We have been faithfully following Jesus, the Great Shepherd. now for almost 40 years. When that judgment comes we have the wonderful assurance that we will be with the Shepherd of our souls for all eternity.
Where do you stand right now? To the left like the goats – sadly, to face judgment, or to the right - a sheep, serving God and others and longing for our home in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ?
It’s not too late to switch over and rest at the right hand of God.