As long as there is even the slightest suspicion of danger from dogs, coyotes, mountain lions, or other predators, sheep remain standing, ready to flee for their lives. This is because they have no means of self-defense; they are helpless, timid, and feeble. About the only thing they can do is run.
Phillip Keller tells about a city-slicker friend coming to his sheep ranch to visit. The car door opened up and out jumped a Pekinese puppy. One look at this slobbering miniature furball sent 200 sheep running off in sheer terror!
When I read that, I decided to conduct my own experiment. Riding along on my motorcycle I got as close as I could to a sheep and honked my horn. All he did was look up — and ring his bell.
As to the sheep of Christ’s fold, only the presence of their Shepherd, their Master, and Protector, will quiet and reassure them when danger lurks — be it specter or substantive in nature. “The LORD is my Shepherd…” (Psalm 23).