Have you ever used this phrase: He or she is the black sheep of the family?
I just discovered that you can purchase a variety of merchandise with “black sheep” printed on them for all to see! (see www.cafepress.com)
According to www.phrases.org.uk the phrase black sheep of the family means “A disreputable or disgraced member of a family.” Traditionally, this is the understood meaning of this phrase with a negative connotation. According to this website the first known use of this phrase in a derogatory fashion was by an English Puritan, Thomas Shepard, in a text penned in 1640:
Cast out all the Prophane people among us, as drunkards, swearers, whores, lyers, which the Scripture brands for blacke sheepe, and condemnes them in a 100
places. –The Sincere Convert
Strong language! Tell us how you really feel Mr. Shepard! During this same time period in England the poor little black sheep was bearing the same superstitions as the black cat. However, in the 19th century, the Folk-Lore Record of 1878 stated: “We speak figuratively of the one black sheep that is the cause of sorrow in a family, but in its reality it is regarded by the Sussex shepherd as an omen of good luck to his flock.” (phrases.org.uk)
No one sets out to become the black sheep, it just sort of happens as a result of situations and circumstances. Sometimes these are within our control and poor choices are made, yet other times, out of our control. Standing firm in our faith can sometimes propel us towards the unwelcome title of black sheep.
The Bible uses the example of sheep in literal and figurative ways. The Sheep Gate was an actual gateway in Jerusalem. (Neh. 3:1, 32, NIV) Sheep were used as sacrifices in the temple. (2 Chron. 29:33) Jesus is referred to as a great Shepherd of the sheep. (Heb. 13:20) Sheep were used to illustrate points in some of the parables He shared as in Luke 15:3-7. In John 10:14 and 27, we see He knows the voice of His sheep and they recognize His voice. Notice in these references there is no mention as to the color of the sheep.
As mentioned above, the phrase “black sheep” generally indicates someone who has a tarnished reputation or is persecuted for their thoughts and ideas. I find myself asking the question, “so what?” In some instances being referred to as a “black sheep” could be positive such as when we defend our beliefs as Christians. This phrase could also describe someone who is a unique individual in his or her perspective on life. God creates as He chooses.
The Message translation highlights this phrase “black sheep” in Isaiah 53.
Vs 7-9 “He was beaten, he was tortured, but he didn’t say a word. Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered and like a sheep being sheared, he took it all in silence. . . He died without a thought for his own welfare. . .”
Vs 10 “Still, it’s what God had in mind all along. . . The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he’d see life come from it – life, life, and more life. ”
Vs 11-12 “. . . Therefore I’ll reward him extravagantly - the best of everything, the highest honors - Because he looked death in the face and didn’t flinch, because he embraced the company of the lowest. He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many, he took up the cause of all the black sheep.”
Suddenly, that phrase no longer represents disgrace, but redeem-ability! He came in the lowest of forms, an infant who was helpless, in order to take up my cause and to remind me that I am valuable to Him and worth much.
I am a black sheep
I do have wool,
yes sir, yes sir three bags full!
All is for my Master
Much is to be gained
And all my sins forgiven by the One who knows my name!!!
I am a black sheep!
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