Psalms 23
John 10: 11-18
Don't you love Psalm 23? The relationship described is perfectly personified in the Christ depicted in John 10. John's verse predicts the willingness of Christ to lay down his life for us, as a shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. In biblical times, this was a very concrete concept. When evening was near, a shepherd would often lead the sheep into a circle of rocks to bed for the night. Having no door, the shepherd would then lay across the opening in order to protect the sheep. The shepherd was one that was dependable and truly concerned for his sheep, not like the hired hand who's instinct was to run and get help if danger appeared.But to shepherd has other synonyms as well--to coach, counsel, lead, pilot, guide. These synonyms all include one aspect--they are not distant relationships; they are close and intimate. And they all describe well the role of shepherd that Christ wants to take for us.
Now, bringing this object lesson to our world and our congregation brings to mind a question. Ministers are often said to shepherd a flock. But are you really a member of a flock, or are you more like the hired hand or better still, are you called to be an assistant to The Shepherd? At different times, you may find yourself to be all of these.
Let's take a look at the job description to help you decide which you are---
*must be able to find and gather lost sheep
*must be able to feed sheep
*must be able to take care of sick and injured sheep
*must be able to protect sheep
I think we would all agree that we do not want to just be a "hired hand". So let's take a closer look at how these jobs really look to a congregation of believers.
Our first job includes rescuing and restoring anyone who seems lost. This can mean helping someone else up or allowing someone to help you up. We read of "those members that are not a part of the flock". This may be members who need to step away and be an assistant while others lead awhile. This may be members who do not feel a part of the group but long to be. This may be neighbors or friends who are not members and need support in their life.
The next job of feeding means of course leading to green pastures. Green pastures for our church members would include bringing inner peace to each other, listening and offering "chicken soup for the soul". It also includes feeding and stretching our minds with new thoughts and experiences together so that we can learn from all our perspectives.
Taking care of the sick and injured is most easily done by prayers, food, visits, and cards. It happens naturally when tragedy strikes and the congregation is there. The lambs, the younger sheep, were often the most at risk and we often feel childish in our fears and weaknesses. But we musn't let that keep us from reaching out to each other. We must trust, as children, when we have needs and hurts and allow others to shepherd us. As a congregation, we are most suited to show our care by supporting others in their weaknesses and bringing out the best in each of us.
And this sometimes leads to protecting each other. People, like sheep, can often wander. And that wandering can lead us into dangerous places. We sometimes are so preoccupied that we don't even look up until we are in the middle of the danger. But a good shepherd finds a high spot where he/she can look over the whole flock. We can do that for others as well. The good thing about being part of a congregation is that we are seldom all in a "low spot". Somebody at all times is at a "high spot". In other words, when your life is going well, that is the time when you can look out for others, knowing that at another time they will be in a position to do the same for you. The one that is able to look out and be aware, will be able to easily see Satan's traps of doubt, depression, exhaustion, and busy-ness. These are the evils that sneak in from friendly places, ministry challenges, and life in general. These are our "wolves in sheep's clothing". These are what we can often see coming upon others. And as shepherds in love, we can warn and protect each other from them.
So, let's set some rules for our herd..
1. Stay together--be someone we can "count on" and trust each other.
3. Gather in for storms--sheep get closer as the rains get harder, weaker in the middle, all facing inward. We as a congregation must hunker down when things get tough. We as Christians across the world must huddle together and stand in mass against the storms that often push against our rights and beliefs.
4. Know the shepherds voice--when watering their herds at the community well, the shepherd only had to call and his sheep would recognize that voice and follow. We must know The Sherherd of Jesus Christ and follow him and when we stray we must listen for that voice to call us home!
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