Elevated Sheep

You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. — Psalm 8:5 Earlier this month (July 2) I mentioned that I wasn’t so sure I liked being compared to a sheep, as in Psalm 23. But even though it’s not very flattering for us to be called sheep, we can be assured that the Lord our shepherd dearly loves and treasures us. Psalm 8, which is also attributed to David, reminds us that God values us human beings so highly that he has “crowned [us] with glory and honor.” At creation we were anointed with glory and commissioned to the important work of partnering with God in caring for and tending to his creation. We have been given a high calling, and in order to live into that calling we are best served by following our Lord and shepherd well. Just as the Lord’s leadership blesses us and guides us into flourishing, we are invited to do the same with all of creation and all the creatures and people we engage with. To others who may feel lost, alone, or abandoned, we have the opportunity to extend the great care that our shepherd has given us. How does the truth of your own high calling affect how you will live today? Lord, help us today and every day to live into the great calling you have placed on our lives. Fill us with your love and care, we pray, and surround us with other followers of your way who can support and encourage us. Amen.