One of my favorite devotionals from my youth is Lessons from a Sheepdog by Phillip Keller. One reason is the unique angle of featuring an animal, instead of random stories about people, to illustrate Christian truths. Another reason is that Keller was well-qualified to write about sheep dogs, himself once being an operator of a sheep ranch. As I read Keller’s inspirational book of parables this week in one sitting, a third reason came to mind, that of the simplicity and brevity of the devotional.
In just over one hundred pages, Keller shares the captivating story of his experience with a beloved border collie, as well as lessons that Lass taught him about having a relationship with God. As part of completing his university training in science and animal husbandry in North America, Keller managed a ranch in British Columbia. Because he didn’t have sufficient funds to start out with cattle, he was obliged to start out with sheep. This left him with the dilemma of needing to find a sheep dog. He found one through an advertisement in the city paper. All the dog did was chase boys on bicycles and race after cars that came by. Even when Keller bought Lass, she initially wouldn’t have anything to do with him. Her trust broken, Lass leaped and snapped at him at every opportunity. But Keller felt she could be redeemed and worked to that end. In one pivotal moment, he even set Lass free on his ranch.
The instance Lass returned to Keller of her own accord, their relationship began. From their adventures together, Keller learned seven lessons about how God desires to interact with mankind. Dedicating each chapter to a lesson, Keller spends about ten to fifteen pages sharing one experience of his with Lass and the revelations about being a Christian that the particular experience taught him. For example, just as in Keller’s first encounter with Lass, God often finds his children “cast in the wrong role, caught in toils of our own intransigence, and misused by the hands of an uncaring master”. The owner of Lass obviously had no idea how to handle a sheep dog. Similarly, individuals are often shaped and directed by the world around them. When Keller rescued Lass, her full potential was able to be released. Similarly, when we allow God to direct our lives, we will discover He has our best interests at heart.
As I reread Lessons from a Sheepdog this week, I smiled in recognition of the various experiences Keller relates, which life has introduced me to over time. For example, volunteering in a no-kill shelter has acquainted me with dogs who need patience for them to find their place in a home. Taking classes at a local dog club has acquainted me with the rules of obedience that Keller taught Lass. Raising a multitude of pets has made me aware of the need for discipline as well as praise. The latter has also showed me many reasons to be proud of how my critters behave and respond to my husband and me. In other words, Lessons from a Sheepdog felt richer upon this reread.
For those walking in the Lord and possessing an appreciation of dogs, this devotional should stir your heart. It lovingly explains how God wants us to follow Him, trust Him, and obey Him. It illustrates through the form of parables how our faithfulness might be tested and why God hates to discipline. Most of all, God wants us to be ready to do anything for Him. Lessons from a Sheepdog will surely inspire!
My rating? Bag it: Carry it with you. Make it a top priority to read.
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Allison's Book Bag 
February 6, 2021 at 3:50 pm
Whish I had read this many years ago.still having trouble thinking about comparing myselftos sheep.
G