House Church Talk - Bakers & Shepherds

[Claire Bennett]

Dan, I see what you mean about yeast being a living substance, which adds an element of unpredictability.  Still, if the baker follows the recipe, he will be able to determine the product.  Another can follow his recipe/procedure and end up with the same result.  The shepherd puts forth far more effort, and time, as living beings do not conform to schedule and convenience.  On top of all that, the shepherd can only minister, lead, guide, protect, etc.  He cannot determine the outcome.  Will the sheep feed?  Will they run away?  Will they injure themselves beyond healing?

A baker can throw out a bad batch and start over.  Maybe if there is conformity and predictable results, it is because there is no life.  Dead things don't rebel.  They don't reproduce either.