IN Palestine, the country where Jesus was reared, and where he carried on his healing ministry, one of the chief activities of the people was that of sheep raising. The sheep were taken in flocks from place to place by their shepherd to be fed, watered, and otherwise cared for. They were guided and directed through the rugged hills and valleys, where they were very often subject to attack by wild animals, or by concealed reptiles. Because of the close companionship of the shepherd with his flock, the sheep grew to understand his commands and to recognize his voice apart from the voices of others. They learned to be quick in obeying his directions, and were thereby saved from foes in ambush. Under the watchful care of their shepherd the sheep feared no evil. Of the shepherd, Jesus said: "The sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers."
Through Christian Science we learn that all who seek Truth may enjoy the better things of life—health, happiness, success, and plenty—by means of individual right thinking, based upon a true understanding of God and man. Mortals, on the other hand, suffer many unhappy and painful experiences, as the result of ignorant or sinful thinking, based upon false mortal beliefs.
How necessary it is, then, that we gain a clearer understanding of God, the one Mind, and of His infinite perfection, so that we may be able to entertain in our consciousness only thoughts which are truly good, thoughts which are Christlike. Indeed, it is through our understanding of God and obedience to divine law that we draw near to Him and are able to hear the "still small voice" of the great Shepherd, which comes to everyone prepared to receive it, and which ever calls us Spiritward, leading the way out of the wilderness of materialism into the freedom of immutable harmony.
