Rev. Klockers: We are all sheep, so which shepherd(s) do you follow?

John 10:27, from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, says: (Jesus said) “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”

The following is a story about Bobby and Sal. We catch them in mid-conversation:

Bobby: “Yes, Sal, I do follow that rule.”

Sal: “Bahhhhh…Bahhhhh,” imitating a sheep in a mocking tone.

Bobby: “What are you doing?”

Sal: “You’re being a sheep, my friend.”

Bobby begins to laugh: “I’m not the one sounding like a sheep, Sal, you are. Tell me, who taught you to do that?”

Sal: “Another good friend of mine.”

Bobby: “Why do you do it?”

Sal: “Well, isn’t it obvious? It’s because you are following the herd without question.”

Bobby: “Come on now, you know me better than that. You’re making an unfair assumption. I’ve had plenty of questions about that rule, but I’ve chosen to follow it. It makes sense to me. That doesn’t make me a blind follower.”

Sal: “I think you are. Just because someone tells you to do something doesn’t mean you should always do it.”

Bobby: “Well, okay, I’ll play along then. Let’s say I am following in the manner you describe, how is that any different than you parroting a sound you were taught by someone? Did you question that, or just follow blindly because it fits easily within how you think? If the answer is the latter, you’re just as guilty.”

Sal: “That’s not true. No way, my friend. We are talking about two entirely different things here.”

Bobby: “Come on, Sal. Bottom line is that we are both sheep but listen to the voice of different shepherds, admit it.”

Sal, looking cockeyed at Bobby: “I’ve had enough of this. End of discussion. Please, just place the ball on the tee and drive it straight down the fairway. I hate having to look for your ball in the rough,” he says with a smile.

Bobby, while addressing the ball: “According to Rule 8.1, you will get a two-stroke penalty if you give advice to competitors.”

Sal: “You’re pulling my leg.”

Bobby: “Look it up. It’s a rule, just like the other one.” Bobby swings his club and the ball flies straight.

We all are sheep, but listen to the voices of different shepherds - from sports, religion, politics, TV personalities, you name it.

My hope and prayer: the voice of Jesus is the one listened to and followed over all others.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Moses Lake and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.