Day 3

a good shepherd

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Hebrews 13:17

70 He chose David his servant
    and took him from the sheepfolds;
71 from following the nursing ewes he brought him
    to shepherd Jacob his people,
    Israel his inheritance.
72 With upright heart he shepherded them
    and guided them with his skillful hand.

Psalm 78:70-72

One day, a friend of mine found a stray dog in his neighborhood. He desired to find the dog’s owner and return him to his master. Reaching out to the community proved unsuccessful as days went by, and the hearts of family members quickly became fonder of this scraggly canine. Welcomed and well-loved into a new home, this once-lost puppy was now a cared-for family member. He had a home and a master who loved him.

Like the lost pup, lost people need a Good Shepherd; once they are found, they still need a Good Shepherd. Psalm 23 is one of the many passages that tell us that the Lord is our Shepherd. Likewise, God divinely chooses people to be placed over us, and we are to obey and submit to their authority. These are not random people but selected people who are called, equipped, and qualified by God. Psalm 78 tells us that David was God’s chosen servant to shepherd and lead people with skillful hands and integrity of heart. Pastors are to serve and not to “lord over the flock” but be an example (1 Peter 5:3).

Pastors are called to shepherd the sheep who are put under their care. We will be held responsible and accountable to God for not only our souls but also the souls of our sheep. What a daunting task. As we model our shepherding skills from Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, keep in mind we too are human – we aren’t perfect, we mess up just like you do, and we often grow weary. We need the encouragement that comes from your support and the sustaining strength that comes from your loving prayers.

Application: Be thankful for the Good Shepherd and for the shepherds who lead, guide, and care for you and others within your flock. Perhaps write them a note or email them words of encouragement and appreciation.

Written By: John Hogan