Cowboys Push, But Shepherds Lead: A Lesson from the Pasture – by Kelly Frank

There are many ways to round up cattle. Some call them in with buckets of grain, some ride ATVs, UTVs, or horses to push them from behind, and others rely on lassos. When we first bought Longhorns, we were impressed watching the seller’s young child expertly rope heifers one by one—it looked effortless!

So, when it came time for us to sell those same Longhorns (we quickly learned why most people avoid keeping this breed), it seemed logical to take the cowboy approach.

With my trusty ATV, I set out to push the cows in from the back pasture. Unfortunately, all I really accomplished was making them mad. Desperation set in, and I resorted to revving the engine and speeding up to their heels, hoping to drive them toward the corral. After nearly an hour of chaos, they finally scrambled—annoyed and frazzled—into the barnyard.

It was a stark contrast to our very first cow. She was so grain-motivated that our kids could simply walk into the barnyard, climb up onto the manure pile, and call out her name: “MOMMAAA.” Without fail, she’d lift her head from grazing and saunter in from the farthest corner of the pasture, eagerly anticipating her handful of sweet feed.

Now, as calving season approaches, we’ve begun the process of re-training our cows to come into the barn headstalls. At first, they were hesitant, only daring to eat once we left. After a week, they grew comfortable enough to stand in the barn while we poured out the feed but still wouldn’t step into the headstalls until we were gone. Now, three weeks in, all we have to do is step outside, and they rise from their midday rests, following closely at our heels all the way in.

This process has made it easy to understand why Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd and not the Good Cowboy. A cowboy pushes from behind, often driving cattle with pressure and force. But a shepherd? A shepherd leads with his voice.

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep.”

Those who trust Him enough to follow right up to His heels, all the way into the fold, receive the ultimate reward.

“Cowboys harass from behind, but shepherds lead with their voices.”