Shepherding
As you read through Ezekiel 34:11-24 and Psalm 23, there are some beautiful things that describes our Shepherd. John 10 elaborates some more about the Lord our Shepherd and His characteristics. You and I will shepherd people. We will lead them and guide them. What kind of shepherd are you?
Notice with me some characteristics:
1. Shepherd knows the needs of the flock. (I shall not want) (maketh me to lie down in green pastures) The Lord knows our needs so that there is no want. Oh how he knows our frame. How He know every thought, meditation, motivation, dream and nightmare. I am glad that no matter what you or I may face, there is a shepherd that knows our every need. There are times He has to make me lie down in green pastures. I may want to frolic amongst the bramble but He, knowing my need, makes me lie down so that I may be able to digest and benefit from His pasture. He has worked it, prepared it, and made it ready for His sheep. Have I prepared for my sheep. Have I thrown out the rocks? Have I planted the seed well? Do I know the state of my flock? Do you know the customs, beliefs, religions, etc of the land to which you are going? It is one thing to know the climate and quite another to know the people.
2. Shepherd knows the fears of the flock – (leadeth me beside the still water) The shepherd knows how skittish I am. How I fret and worry. He knows I need a place of peace and rest. My need for water. Running water to some may not be a big deal but he knows that I am afraid of a current. He knows what troubles me when I lay down at night and raise my head up in the morning. He knows the thoughts that trouble me that no one else knows about. He knows my insecurities and how they plague me. He knows my fears. Will the people you are going to reach have to forsake family to be saved and baptized? What will be the biggest hindrance of them coming to Christ? What are their fears? Will you be the kind of shepherd that will find out?
3. The Shepherd knows how to help. (restores my soul) He knows how to bring healing to the broken. He knows how to bring hope to despair. He knows how to encourage, strengthen and revive me like no other. He knows how to handle me, talk to me, guide me. My shepherd knows how to help me. Some shepherds just want to break their sheep. Try to instill fear into them always showing them who is shepherd. My Shepherd restores me. He brings me health and vitality. Will I know how to help the people I am going to? Do I know how to counsel? Do I know how to preach the Word? Do I just “preach the devil out of them bless God”? I have seen shepherds do that. They ruin sheep rather than restore them.
What kind of shepherd will you be? These are some thoughts you can flesh out. I will continue these thoughts tomorrow. Think about what kind of shepherd you are and what kind you need to be?
Love you guys,
Bro. Tony
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