This Sunday was week three of the 7>1 (seven is greater than one) series. When it comes to hearing God speak…seven truly is greater than one. Jesus discribed his relationship to his followers declaring that he is the shepherd…and we are the sheep. Cows are self sufficient. They need fences to keep them out of danger but they can care for themselves. They are driven. yelled at, and prodded by the farmer when they need to be moved. Cattle only “moo” for help when they are in trouble. Sheep need a shepherd. They are defenseless. They aren’t fenced in and driven. They follow. They know the voice of the shepherd and follow him. Their safety comes not being fenced in…but by staying close to the shepherd. Religion treats us like cattle…fences us in with rules to “keep us safe”…teaches us to “moo” when we’re in trouble or we need to be fed…teaches us that God will drive us back if we get outside of the fences. Following Jesus is about…you guessed it…Following Jesus. Like sheep follow a shepherd. Together.