[kj] Curiosity led me on...then killed my Judas Goat...

[Dave Noonan]

Judas Goat:

(From Forerunner Commentary)
Matthew 25:32-33  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)

The sheep are given eternal life, but the goats are cast into the Lake of
Fire. It is clear from this section of Scripture that we want the attributes
of sheep and not those of goats!


What is it about goats that causes God to use them in such a negative light?
Goats are capricious. They are impulsive and unpredictable, devious and
contrary. If they are not poking their heads through fences, they may be
standing on their hind legs, stretching for those tender leaves just out of
reach. Goats are never content with what they have.


They are experts in opening gates and squeezing through small gaps because
they hate to be confined. Fences that will handle sheep, cattle, and horses
will not hold goats. They will work tirelessly to spring themselves from any
situation they deem inhibiting.



Consequently, goats are not very good followers. "Gregarious behavior" is a
term that refers to the flocking or herding instinct which is found strongly
in sheep, cattle, and horses. Again, this quality is rather weak in goats;
they prefer leading or going off on their own. Meat packers use this
instinct in sheep and goats to their advantage. They will train an old goat,
appropriately called a "Judas," to lead sheep to the pens for slaughter. A
well-trained Judas will lead group after group of sheep to the slaughter all
day long.


A sheep follows its Shepherd, peacefully moving forward with the flock. He
is content to be led because he has faith in Him. A sheep responds to his
Shepherd's voice and goes where He directs. On the other hand, a goat
follows only its own lead, creating disunity when he comes in contact with
others in the flock. Because of his independent nature, he often finds
himself in contention with the Shepherd for leadership of the flock, leading
some astray. A goat often eats things‹a symbol of ingesting spiritual
instruction‹sheep would avoid because they have no real value and cause
sickness.

Goats are not inherently evil, but some of their traits could be
deadly‹spiritually‹if found in a Christian. A Christian who is
unpredictable, who thinks he is above it all, who independently does his own
thing, who wants to take over, has trouble functioning in a group, or does
not want to be led, is exhibiting the characteristics of a goat‹one Christ
says will be cast into the Lake of Fire!
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