“Be The Shepherd God Wants!”

“Be The Shepherd God Wants!”
As a noun a shepherd is a person who tends or rears sheep. When used as a verb, to shepherd will mean “to guide or direct in a particular direction.” Coming from a nomadic culture (In Cameroon we may say Mbororo culture) the Bible uses shepherd in relation to taking care of humanbeings, not cattle.
God is considered as the perfect shepherd who provides human needs at the appropriate times (Ps. 23). Jesus is the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.
At various levels we are all shepherds. In this age of social media we have had glipmses into the evil perpetrated by some babysitters on the children they are supposed to babysit. In some homes the father or mother is a terror to those living under their roofs. As we expand upward to include small groups, large groups, communities, institutions, companies and organisations we have those who shepherd others at various levels.
The CEO of a company may not care what happens to the staff because the company is interested only at maximising profit. This is not so with Faith Based Organisations (FBO)!
FBOs exist for the care of souls and to ensure the holistic wellbeing of the children of God. Unfortunately right from Old Testament times, there is an inclination towards bad shepherding. Instead of gathering the sheep and taking care of them, the shepherds rather scatter and destroy them. Each time this happens God becomes angry with shepherds and punishes them for bad shepherding.
God himself is the shepherd who will gather his children and take care of them , “and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing…” This he has done through his Son through whom he gathers us the lost souls and nourishes us abundantly (Jer.23:1-5).
Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd has entrusted the task of shepherding to us. He asks us to demonstrate the love we have for him by feeding his lambs, taking care of his sheep and feeding them (Jn,21:15-19).
Peter instructs the elders among God’s children: “Be shepherds of God’s flock under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock…” Young people are not exempted in playing leading roles. Young people should “be submissive to those who are older.” Both the old and the young should “clothe themselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
My friend, at your level, you are a shepherd to others. Lead them the way God expects. Tend the sheep with care and be sacrificial as you ensure their safety ” And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away”(I Pt.5:1-5).
Sunday prayer; Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Righteous Chief Shepherd, help me to demonstrate my love for you by tending and feeding your sheep. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!