Shepherding: A Way of Sacrificial Living in Worship
All of us are familiar with Psalm 23. In David's words we find a description of Father that is both compelling and humbling. To think that the God of the universe would look upon us in such a way is, well... almost too much to imagine.
Looking further, we are able to see how Christ exemplified those same things. As our Lord walked the earth he was demonstrating both the essence of Father and true shepherding. And if his example of shepherding weren't enough in itself, Christ then demonstrated what the True Shepherd does on behalf of his sheep: He dies for them. The Shepherd became the Lamb, in order for us, (the lambs), to become shepherds.
As leaders, we shepherd best by sacrificing for the sheep in our care. It's not simply a matter of meeting the temporal needs of individuals who are in our midst. We must serve them in sacrificial ways. As we give, truly give of our very selves, those whom we seek to lead will respond. In those rare cases when their response is not as we had hoped, we shouldn't be troubled. For it is Christ whom we are serving as we wash one anothers feet.
I invite you to explore Psalm 23.
Examine how Father is your Shepherd. Examine how Christ is the Good Shepherd. However, don't stop there.
Psalm 23 is also an invitation to "go and do likewise." Contained in it's verses, Psalm 23 lists the vocational skills necessary to be a good shepherd. Which of those skills fall within your areas of giftedness? What are your strengths? What are the areas that are not as strong, or perhaps missing in your life?
How will you grow (invest; literally clothe yourself) in one characteristic or ability that is a strength?
How might you seek to add one shepherding ability that is missing or weak in your life?
I invite you to share with me your thoughts...
All of us are familiar with Psalm 23. In David's words we find a description of Father that is both compelling and humbling. To think that the God of the universe would look upon us in such a way is, well... almost too much to imagine.
Looking further, we are able to see how Christ exemplified those same things. As our Lord walked the earth he was demonstrating both the essence of Father and true shepherding. And if his example of shepherding weren't enough in itself, Christ then demonstrated what the True Shepherd does on behalf of his sheep: He dies for them. The Shepherd became the Lamb, in order for us, (the lambs), to become shepherds.
As leaders, we shepherd best by sacrificing for the sheep in our care. It's not simply a matter of meeting the temporal needs of individuals who are in our midst. We must serve them in sacrificial ways. As we give, truly give of our very selves, those whom we seek to lead will respond. In those rare cases when their response is not as we had hoped, we shouldn't be troubled. For it is Christ whom we are serving as we wash one anothers feet.
I invite you to explore Psalm 23.
Examine how Father is your Shepherd. Examine how Christ is the Good Shepherd. However, don't stop there.
Psalm 23 is also an invitation to "go and do likewise." Contained in it's verses, Psalm 23 lists the vocational skills necessary to be a good shepherd. Which of those skills fall within your areas of giftedness? What are your strengths? What are the areas that are not as strong, or perhaps missing in your life?
How will you grow (invest; literally clothe yourself) in one characteristic or ability that is a strength?
How might you seek to add one shepherding ability that is missing or weak in your life?
I invite you to share with me your thoughts...
- What does it mean when we say that we are called to lead as shepherds?
- How are we to be both a lamb and a shepherd in our living?
- In your mind what does it mean when we say, "The best shepherds are those that smell just like their sheep?"
Blessings to all of you!
Serving Father,
Dr. Norm
Labels: Sacrificial Shepherding
posted by Dr. Norm @ 12:01 PM
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