Shrek The Sheep

Merino sheep are known for producing long, fine wool. A renegade merino sheep named Shrek was recently shorn on live television in New Zealand. The 10-year-old Shrek’s shearing produced a giant fleece that some are saying is the largest ever — enough to make 20 large men’s suits. The wool was auctioned off to benefit medical charities for children. What’s most interesting about Shrek (who was so named because of the ogre in the children’s movie) is how he spent the last six years.

Six years ago Shrek bolted from the flock. For six years he roamed freely on New Zealand’s South Island. He evaded capture and the extreme elements by hiding in rock caves. By the time he was rounded up on April 15, he had become, in the words of one reporter, “like some Biblical creature.” He could hardly see with the wool hanging down over his eyes. He could not move without difficulty because of the wool limiting the movement in his legs. Freedom from the shepherd and the rest of the flock seemed like a good idea, but nearly cost Shrek his life.

How many Christians do you know who have bolted the flock — answering the siren call to freedom? Avoiding accountability may sound freeing, but in reality can lead to real bondage. Like Shrek, many renegade Christians who bolt the flock end up blinded and paralyzed by the out-of-control growth of their fleece of problems and worries. Christians who bolt the flock refuse the concern and care of the shepherd. Christians who bolt the flock face the dangerous elements on their own.

Christians are called to live in a community, in a family, in a flock. While responsibility to others and for others can seem like a burden, it is exactly how God has designed for us to live.

Thankfully the story of Shrek has a happy ending. He relearned to walk without the heavy burden of his fleece. He is too old to be sold for mutton. Looks like he has a new career in marketing. Sadly, the story of the renegade Christian rarely ends that way. Thank God for the flock and our shepherds.

— Bob Clark

5/18/2004