On Being a Responsible Shepherd

Jeremiah  23:4 NLT  Then I will appoint responsible shepherds who will care for them, and they will never be afraid again. Not a single one will be lost or missing.  I, the Lord have spoken! 

John 10:14-18 MSG  “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They’ll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd. This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life. And so I am free to take it up again. No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from my Father.”

John 19.10, 11a  JBPhillips  But Jesus gave him no reply.  So Pilate said to Him, “Won’t you speak to me?  Don’t You realise that I have the power to set You free, and I have the power to have You crucified?”  “You have no power at all against Me,” replied Jesus, “except what was given to you from above.”  –

OBSERVATION

Jesus is our perfect example of the responsible shepherd promised in Jeremiah.  He shepherds so closely and intimately that His sheep respond to His voice.  He watches so carefully that none are lost and He is even willing to sacrifice Himself for His sheep.  He understands and embraces His assignment – to lay down His life – so every sheep has the choice to submit to and follow this Shepherd.  Jesus fully understands where all power and authority originates and stands firm in the face of what men can do to Him – again, for the sake of His sheep.  He will never abandon the best interest of His sheep for His own benefit.  No shortcuts, no compromises, no distractions.  Not one is lost of the flock because this Shepherd is willing to give it all for each and every one.

IMPACT ON ME

First, am I a sheep who knows my Shepherd’s voice, staying close by Him, submitted and obedient?  This is the way I learn to shepherd those in my care.  So, am I diligent, self-sacrificing, caring, concerned, watchful enough to be judged a responsible shepherd?  Have I listened and learned from Jesus how to love and care for my sheep?  I need to be careful here to avoid becoming a Pharisee in judging myself or others in this regard.  I joke that I am a recovering over-achieving perfectionist, but, as both shepherd and sheep, I need to examine the standards and goals I set to ensure that they are set by God and not by me for the wrong reasons.

Jesus bore the pain, humiliation and shame of the Cross for the sake of His sheep, regardless of what people would think.  Am I willing to be misunderstood, shamed and humiliated, if that is what Jesus asks of me for the sake of my sheep?  Tough question…How much do appearances and the recognition of others matter to me?  Am I fully surrendered and committed to walking out God’s will and purpose for my life if the cost is great?  I truly want the answer to be YES and remain YES after I find out the cost.

PRAYER

Father in Heaven, Creator, Redeemer, Lord of all, You are perfect in loving and caring for each of us.  Keep me aware of my role as both sheep and shepherd.  Help me to listen closely, hear clearly, learn well and obey quickly.  May I always seek Your plan for me and allow You to be the judge of how well I serve.  I want to be both a sheep that stays close to You and a responsible, good shepherd who loses not one.  Mold me, make me, use me as You see fit.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.