I Am A Shepherd

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.

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