April 4                                           Deut 10 - 12

SHEPHERDING

MEMORISE: ‘The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.’ (John 10:13)
READ: John 10: 1-14

When you have God as your shepherd, it makes a lot of difference. Psalm 23 says lack will cease in your life because he will lead you to where your food is reserved. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd is different from the hired Shepherd (hireling) in many ways. The Good Shepherd is the owner of the sheep. The hireling I hired and paid wages to watch over the sheep. While the Good Shepherd enters in by the door, the hireling uses some other way, like a window. The Good Shepherd is so closely connected to his sheep that once he calls them, they respond: They know his voice. He knows and calls them by name.

The hireling is ready to watch over the sheep only when there is no danger. When he has to face certain threats to his well-being or even life, he immediately leaves the sheep and runs for safety. On the other hand, the Good Shepherd cares so much for his sheep that he does not even mind dying for them (John 10:11)

‘The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep’ (John 10:13). The hireling loves the title shepherd but is not ready to perform the responsibilities of a true shepherd. If you have ever won a soul for Christ, you are a shepherd. All your converts are your sheep. God expects you to be to your converts what Jesus is to you. All God has invested in your life – your time, money, contacts and abilities, are supposed to be lovingly invested in your sheep so that your fruit can remain and make it to heaven. How are you shepherding today?

David was like Jesus. As a good Shepherd boy, he took good care of the sheep and watched lovingly over them. He knew where the pastures were greener and the waters would not drown his sheep. He led them to choice pastures and streams. He did not run away from the bear and the lion that attacked his sheep; he withstood them by God’s power. Do you love your sheep as much? Why are you pasturing? Is because you love the title pastor or do you truly love to give those under you your best, so that it will be well with them? Do you enjoy taking risks and bearing the burdens of your sheep? If you have truly nurtured your sheep and make them feel at home even when they backslide, they will come back to Christ later. Improve your shepherding from now on.

ACTION POINT
Write down 20 ways in which you can be a good shepherd to your converts, congregation or those in your care. Practice these from now on.