Shepherding (part three)
As we continue to look at Psalm 23 and characteristics of the Shepherd, I pray that these same characteristics will be in my life and yours.
1. The Shepherd knows my needs. (I shall not want, like down in green pastures)
2. The Shepherd knows my fears. (leadeth me beside still waters)
3. The Shepherd knows how to help. (restores my soul)
4. The Shepherd knows how to lead. (leadeth me in paths of righteousness)
5. The Shepherd knows how to build trust. (fear no evil for thou art with me)
6. The Shepherd knows how to protect. (prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies) Thou I am skittish and concerned, right in the middle of my enemies my Shepherd unfolds a feast for me. At no point and place has the Shepherd never been in control. Even when they nailed him to a cross, He told us that no man takes His life. He laid it down and He picked it up again. My Shepherd gave His life for the sheep. Will I bring peace and provision to my sheep even in the midst of adversity? Will I bring them a feast when the lion of hell roars through their life? Will I bring them confidence that my life is theirs? Will I be able to say, I will very gladly spend and be spend for you? Will I be gladly offered upon the sacrifice and service of their faith? Will I protect them? Will I prepare for them? Will I run when their enemies show up? Will I, even in the presence of their enemies, stand with them?
7. The Shepherd knows how to speak the truth in love. (thy rod and thy staff they comfort me) An instrument that could club a predator or break it’s neck, brings me comfort. Though they are instruments of power, it is power under control. There are times he has had to break me. Yet then he carried me. There are times I have strayed and have felt the staff draw me back. These instances were not to hurt me but to bring me to Him. To His presence and care. Will you be the kind of shepherd that brings only “harmful blows” to your sheep? Will you brag at how many you have run off rather than those you have brought in and helped? I had a preacher in his 80’s tell me one day that he feared he had run more people away from Christ than he had brought to Him. Is that how you want to be known? I realize there are conferences where shepherds get together. They talk ugly about their sheep. They brag on how they have clubbed them and left them bleeding in a pit. Be a shepherd that stands mightily in the truth, but as mightily as you stand in the truth, stand in love.
8. The Shepherd knows how to minister. (anoints my head with oil) I have felt his touch and been drawn close to Him. I thought the bugs and parasites were my friends. I did not realize they were eating my flesh and infecting me with their disease. My Shepherd knew. He drew me, loved me and put ointment on my cuts and bites. He made it where this ointment would not only heal but protect me from future incidents. Am I that kind of shepherd? Our people are going to get “bit” and “infected”. Will we just talk about them and use them for sermon illustrations or will we help them? Will you anoint the heads of your sheep. This is not a group process but one by one. Individually touching each of their lives. Knowing them. Helping them. Loving them.
9. The Shepherd knows how to make others a success. (my cup runneth over) My Shepherd gives me joy unspeakable and full of glory. He gives me life more abundant. His Truth has made me free. I am more than a conqueror and nothing shall separate me from His love. My cup runs over! He has granted me significance. I am His workmanship. He has granted me purpose. I am to go into all the world and preach His gospel. Oh I could go on and on. Will our sheep have empty cups? Will their life be empty? Oh they may be full of rules but never have a relationship. Will you be the shepherd whose sheep can say, my cup runneth over.
It will take a lot of work. No, it will take your whole life. A life that will build relationships, trust and commitment. John 10:14-15 may you know your sheep and be known by them. May you and I be willing to lay down are lives for them. May they know our voice and say, “That is my shepherd.”
Sorry so long but pray it has encouraged you.
Love you guys,
Bro. Tony
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