Psalm 23:1-3 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
This last Sunday, Pastor Kyle continued in our church’s virtual online sermon series through the book of 1 Peter. Along with farming, Shepherding is one of the oldest professions in human history. Tending to sheep is notoriously hard because the animals are stubborn and unintelligent. Sheep cannot swim and tend to wander off, so shepherds have to constantly be looking out for their health and well-being.
Luke 15:4-7 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”
Israelite shepherd would physically laid across the opening to the sheep pin as a gate at night to keep the animals from wandering out and predators from coming in. While on duty, the shepherd’s job is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Bible uses the metaphor of shepherding as a direct parallel to spiritual leadership. We as human beings are like sheep, following predictable patterns. Sheep need constant care and attention. Without the protection of a loving shepherd, they easily succumb to a tragic demise. Pastors and Elders are spiritual shepherds called to lead Christ’s church, so that the flock may be fed and grow in spiritual peace and provision.
1 Peter 5:1-5 “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over
those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Likewise, you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
This message applies to everyone because (1) 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.” No matter the sermon topic in the Word of God is, the Scripture’s message always applies to every one of us. (2) we all have people that we love, and we all have people that we are involved with caring for and leading.
The Apostle Peter, personally called by Jesus and with the Lord through His entire earthly ministry, goes on to explain the most powerful tool that every Elder has to lead others, which is their own personal example of Christian living to the flock, setting a pattern of integrity for the congregation. Not perfection but a pattern of the right course of action. A disciple is a student/follower of their teacher, leader or master. Christian shepherds should emulate Jesus’ (the Good Shepherd’s / the Chief Shepherd’s) example, which we are to follow. To lead well, lead with an increasing pattern of following Jesus’ example.
We should become more and more like the men and women of God that we were called to be every single day. There should be a growing into the likeness of Christ pattern in all of our lives. Jesus is your Chief Shepherd. Pastors and Elders, Deacons and Lay-leaders are undershepherds of the Lord. No human being can met all your spiritual needs, that only Jesus can ultimately fill. Being flawed in a fallen world, the Chief Shepherd will equip you as you follow Him. God loves to equip those who seek Him with all their heart. We are to always to be knowing “right” from “wrong” in the eyes of the Lord and be working on turning from sin and walking in the Spirit as you do what God desires and requires. Live in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel today and every tomorrow thereafter. When you mess up, confess up. Own it when you blow it. Strive to “go and sin no more” and lead by your example.
Let's continue Pastor Kyle's message on Christian Leadership in the next post.
In Christ, Brian
No comments:
Post a Comment