Oviculture 101
You do not need years of hands-on experience with a flock of sheep or a PhD in oviculture to understand Jesus’ lessons on sheep. In fact, when Jesus and the Old Testament prophets mention sheep as on object lesson in the Bible, they do so in very simplistic terms. If you have ever seen sheep grazing alongside the road or seen some cute pictures online, you probably know enough about sheep to understand and obey these biblical lessons. So, let’s proceed with our simple class for today, Oviculture 101.
1. Sheep are sheep. Sheep are not goats.
2. Sheep graze. Whenever you see sheep out in the pasture, they are eating. For extra credit, you should remember that sheep are more voracious grazers than cattle, consuming many herbs and “weeds” that cattle avoid. In fact, with proper management, sheep can produce more meat per acre than cattle.
3. Sheep reproduce. One of the cutest songs you ever memorized was that one about Mary’s lamb. For your capstone learning experience, remember that sheep often have twins and sometimes triplets. This boosts their production.
4. Sheep need a shepherd. This is the most important management principle with sheep. Sheep cannot and will not survive without dedicated supervision and protection.
Now, let’s apply what we have learned.
1. Be a sheep. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be born again, as a sheep in His flock (John 10:26). It is not enough to flock with the sheep. You must be a sheep (Matt 25:32-46).
2. Graze. Have a voracious appetite for God’s word. Don’t just read the easy passages and learn the simple things in your spare time. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15).
3. Reproduce. Don’t be content to learn the word of God for yourself. Pass it on to others so that they can pass it on as well! (2 Tim 2:2).
4. Follow your Good Shepherd. He laid down His life for you and His name is Jesus (John 10:1-30).