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Do we stand in relation to God as sheep stand in relation to us? In some ways, no: God grants the ability for knowledge "from below," and allows intimate exchange with himself. In some ways, yes: "Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture," wrote the psalmist. Note the possessives: his people, his pasture. We live our days in a world that, in its essence, its origin, and its destiny, belongs to God, with ourselves as God's own possessions. We may insist on our own autonomy—"All we like sheep have gone astray"—but in the end it is no more impressive, or effective, than the autonomy of a Tasmanian ewe.

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A ready-to-download Bible Study on this article is available at ChristianBibleStudies.com. These unique Bible studies use articles from current issues of Christianity Today to prompt thought-provoking discussions in adult Sunday school classes or small groups.

Previous Yancey columns for Christianity Today include:

Servant in ChiefJimmy Carter's journey from the White House to building houses.(May 28, 2002)

Why Do They Hate Us?How to turn the Baywatch syndrome into the Jesus syndrome. (March 27, 2002)

Honest Church MarketingWe enhance our 'image' by offering the world a realistic picture of faith. (October 24, 2001)

Compassion ConfusionWe should serve the needy even when it has bad political consequences. (August 28, 2001)

Fixing Our Weakest LinkEvangelicals should be more "needful of the minds of others." (July 13, 2001)

Replenishing the Inner PastorChurches should take greater interest in their shepherds' spiritual health. (May 14, 2001)

Beyond Flesh and BloodI used to disdain biblical talk of "invisible spirits." No more. (Mar. 27, 2001)

God at LargeA look around the globe reveals a God as big as we want him to be. (Jan. 31, 2001)

Humility's Many FacesEveryone I've looked up to has shared one trait. (Dec. 4, 2000)

Getting a LifeThe most fully alive persons are those who give their lives away. (Oct. 16, 2000)

Yancey's Where is God When it Hurts, Special Edition and Soul Survivor: How My Faith Survived the Church are available on Christianbook.com.

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July 8 2002, Vol. 46, No. 8