Goats were kept by shepherds in the bible lands, yes, and they were very good. They were used for the same sorts of things that sheep were, and are related to sheep. In fact, Solomon compares the people of God to goats.
Song of Solomon 4:1 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.
I heard in Sunday school that a shepherd drove the goats with a rod but led the sheep with his voice. The flock of sheep would follow only the one voice known to them, whereas the goats being more independent, did as they pleased.
The shepherd lived with the sheep, ate with them, slept with them blocking the doorway to the sheep fold,which was made of stones and if a lion attacked, gave his life for them.
Since Christians follow the Good Shepherd and are completely dependant upon God for all of their needs, and do not go their own way like goats, we know that we are sheep.We accept that our good shepherd gave his life for us.
I heard in Sunday school that a shepherd drove the goats with a rod but led the sheep with his voice. The flock of sheep would follow only the one voice known to them, whereas the goats being more independent, did as they pleased. The shepherd lived with the sheep, ate with them, slept with them blocking the doorway to the sheep fold,which was made of stones and if a lion attacked, gave his life for them.
Since Christians follow the Good Shepherd and are completely dependant upon God for all of their needs, and do not go their own way like goats, we know that we are sheep.We accept that our good shepherd gave his life for us.
Thank you. That's beautiful.