John 10:14-16 ~ 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. KJV
"I am the good shepherd," . . ." Jesus said it so plainly there could be no mistake what He meant. He fulfills the ideal of shepherd-like care for the people of God as illustrated in the Old Testament and in that culture. He is the pattern to follow. If you do not see the attributes of Christ in your Pastor, you must examine your heart with discernment and ask God to reveal to you through His wisdom and guidance how to pray for the Pastor. Jesus was the antagonist and revealer of the false teacher "the robbers and thieves as mentioned in previous verses. He is the Head of all good shepherds. When Jesus talked of the good shepherd, He revealed this this Shepherd is remarkable, willing to take risks to protect His sheep. He isOne that would die for His sheep, and that is very rare in a normal shepherd; one that is not God called.
“In the Latin tongue the word for money is akin to the word ‘sheep,’ because, to many of the first Romans, wool was their wealth, and their fortunes lay in their flocks. The Lord Jesus is our Shepherd: we are his wealth.” (Spurgeon)
The good shepherd sacrifices for the sheep (gives His life). The good shepherd knows his sheep (I know My sheep). We think of sheep as being all the same. The shepherd knows they are individuals with their own personalities and characteristics. The good shepherd is known by the sheep (and am known by My own).
The faithful pastor will, as an under-shepherd, display the same characteristics as the Good Shepherd. He will sacrifice for the sheep, know the sheep, and be known by them. He will be a shepherd and not a hireling who does not care about the sheep. He can never hope to display these characteristics to the same extent as Jesus, but they should reflect his heart and his goal.
The title pastor translates the same ancient Greek word used here for shepherd. It is a title that is only rightfully earned, not granted or assumed. The work of Jesus as the Good Shepherd was based on His close relationship with His God and Father, and so should that be the same life of the pastor. He must have that one-on-one personal relationship with the Father of all Fathers. His life should so shine of the blessed love of the Father, that he would be willing to sacrifice his own life, time, and being for his flock, as Jesus models. That late phone call of distress, listen, pray, go as needed. The call from the hospital, as a member lays in great illness, GO! Love on them and their families in the Lord! Make your life so caught up in your flock, that you would anticipate a call always keeping the flock in prayer! This is a pastor.
But Jesus also knew there were others who needed Him. Thank God, He did not come just for the Jews! He came for all men! The Gentiles! That's me. Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
How about you? Do you know that you are one of the flock of Christ? If you don't know that for sure, you destination is hell. Doesn't have to be so. Be saved today!
HE CARES! Lost person, Do You Want to Know HIM? Lord, help us to be wise, studied up, aware, and faithful to You. Amen. With love and prayers, may we be your faithful Philippians 2:16 Missionaries?
Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Listen to Bro. Tom on www.wbofradio.com "The Jewel For The Day" program, every Monday - Friday at 6am and 2pm EST.
In the name of Jesus, may we be HIS emissaries and used by Him to help others.
Tom and Linda Milam
Missionaries to America and around the world!
PRAY BIG FOR OTHERS AND YOURSELF! GOD WANTS TO ANSWER OUR PRAYERS!
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