by Stephen Drake
I realize the sheep I tend do not belong to me. There is a Chief Shepherd to
whom all the sheep belong. I did not pay for the sheep - He did. He traveled a great
distance to procure these sheep. He lived a life of perfection for their sake.
He fought death, hell, and the grave for these sheep and He won. He healed
their wounds, comforted their hearts, and nourished their bodies, souls, and
spirits. He died to give the sheep His life. Now He has handed His sheep to me
to care for them on His behalf. I am a shepherd.
I must give account to Him for the way I care for His sheep. I will seek to
feed them well, in the green pastures of the Word of Life. I will walk beside
them when they pass through the valley of death. I will not run them to
fatigue, but will cause them to lie down in the green pastures and lead them
beside the still waters. I will love His sheep and lead them as He leads them.
I am a shepherd.
I will do all I can to multiply the fold. While I recognize that sheep
produce sheep, I will remember I am a sheep serving as a shepherd and will be
an example to the flock on bringing other sheep in to the fold. I am a
shepherd.
I know that sheep can be trying at times, and may need rebuke. I will seek
always to speak to them with wisdom. I will try to be part of the solution
rather than part of the problem. I will endeavor to guide my sheep toward
"what's right" rather than toward "who's right." I will
pledge to bring my sheep together rather than scatter them, keeping my eye on
the unity of the Spirit for the glory of God.
There are many other shepherds whom I know. Some are good shepherds who love
their flock because they love the Chief Shepherd. Other shepherds care little
for the flock, using it to enhance their reputation and decorate their resumes.
They claim to love the Chief Shepherd, and I will not judge their claim. But I
will not look to them for wisdom or follow their example. I will pray for them
and speak to them the truth in love. Being a shepherd has more to do with the
sheep than with me.
I will seek to be with my sheep when lambs are born and as they grow. I will
be there when the younger sheep play and when the older sheep die. If I appear
disheveled, it may be because I have been pulling a lamb from a ditch or saving
one from a wolf. At times I may need to save myself from the wolves. There may
be times when I dirty the floor, because I have been in the pen feeding,
leading, and loving my sheep.
I am grateful to the Chief Shepherd for His trust in me. May I always
remember that my calling is one of oversight and not ownership. When
generations of sheep think of me in years to come, may they recall with kind
thoughts the life of one who had their highest good always, in his heart.
THINGS YOU MIGHT BE
INTERESTED IN ….
FOR CHURCH LEADERS:
Five Steps to Get Beyond Sacred Cows in the church by Dr. Thom Rainer - http://thomrainer.com/2013/03/23/five-steps-to-get-beyond-sacred-cows-in-the-church/#.UVA3q2kS6zo?emid=Content-PastorsToday-SacredCows-20130401
FOR CHURCH LEADER
TRAINING: The Ministry Grid; an
online leadership development platform for pastors, staff, and volunteer
leadership - http://www.ministrygrid.com/
FOR BIBLE STUDY:
Bible Studies for Life; a
Bible study resource that provides an aligned study across all age groups – www.biblestudiesforlife.com
FOR BIBLE STUDY
LEADERSHIP: MasterWork Supplement for
MasterWork curriculum users - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/masterwork-leader-supplement-P005601369-2013-SUM
FOR CHURCH-WIDE
EVENT: Experiencing God documentary – DVD
multi-pack kit includes 10 DVDs to share, lifetime site license, movie posters,
immediate availability of download of movie - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/experiencing-god-documentary-dvd-multi-pack-P005586193
FOR CHURCH-WIDE
EVENT: The Gospel Project Experience event
and simulcast, May 17 -18; journey through the story of the gospel - http://www.gospelproject.com/experience/#.UVxtfay1Ug8
FOR STUDENT
MINISTRY: Gospel Revolution for
Students by J.D. Greear - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/gospel-revolution:-students
FOR DISCIPLESHIP
LEADERS: Bible Study Insider preview kit; provides tips for small group leaders and samples of
the latest adult discipleship studies - http://biblestudyinsider.com/
FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:
All Pro Dad small
group study by Mark Merrill - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/all-pro-dad-seven-essentials-to-be-a-hero-to-your-kids-dvd-leader-kit-P005520634
FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:
The Main Event men’s conference,
July 26-27, Nashville, TN featuring 18 speakers including Duck Dynasty’s Willie
Robertson, Coach Bobby Bowden, Dr. Tony Evans: http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events
FOR DISCIPLESHIP:
The Gospel According to Jonah by J.D. Greear - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-gospel-according-to-jonah-a-new-kind-of-obedience-leader-kit-p005558798
FOR DISCIPLESHIP:
Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God by Margaret Feinberg - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/wonderstruck-awaken-to-the-nearness-of-god-dvd-leader-kit-p005515840
