Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it 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 will never fade away. ~ I Peter 5:2-4
READING: John 21:15-17
Sheep are dumb. They are totally dependent on the shepherd. They don’t have claws, speed, flight or fangs to ward off their predators. The role of the shepherd is not easy. Sheep are messy and shoveling sheep manure in the sheep pen is not a fun job. However, those who pastor need to understand they are “pasturers.” They feed the sheep, tend the sheep, shear the sheep (not skin the sheep) and provide for the sheep.
Those of us who have been bitten by a sheep, butted by a ram, stepped on or kicked by a mad ewe (female sheep), or pooped on by a lamb, need to meditate on the words of Peter in I Peter 5. Even with a bold, Type A personality, Peter had a shepherd’s heart as the lead pastor on the launch day of the first church on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2.
During the hard times when the sheep are hard to manage, persevere. Hang in there! Remember there is a special crown of glory for the shepherd.
Lord Jesus, I pray that today I will bring honor to you as I tend to the sheep you have entrusted to my care, in the name of the One who laid down his life for me – a stubborn sheep. Amen.
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