Most of us have seen llamas either on a farm or in a zoo. The llama has thick, brown hair, a long neck and looks somewhat like a small camel, but it does not have a hump. It is a strong animal, eats grass and low shrubs, and does not need to drink much water. The llama is used as a pack animal, especially in South America. When a llama is angry or being attacked, it will become aggressive and might even spit in its enemy’s face.
We visited a family that has seven sheep and one llama. The sheep often follow the llama around the pasture, but the real reason for keeping them together is for the llama to guard the sheep. If dogs, other animals or even people come near the sheep, the llama will chase them away. The llama is a real protector for those sheep.
Isn’t it good to know that if you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, He is guarding you at all times? He tells us in Psalm 34:7 that “the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him.”
During summer when the weather is hot, the sheep and llama will spend the day in the barn or find shade elsewhere. But when evening comes, the llama heads for the pasture and nearby river to graze and drink, and the seven sheep follow along. It was interesting to watch them walk in single file across the pasture, always together. The llama was like a shepherd to those sheep.
Are we who know the Lord Jesus following Him, our Shepherd, to the green pastures and still waters of His Word? He not only wants to protect us, He wants us to enjoy the food and water He has for us in His Word, the Bible. “How sweet are Thy words unto my taste” (Psalm 119:103). His Word can also be our guide to lead and protect us. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Are you reading God’s Word daily and enjoying its sweetness and guiding strength?
ML-01/16/2000