What is a Shepherd?

Therefore, as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of the Messiah and also a participant in the glory about to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you: shepherd God's flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but freely, according to God's will; not for the money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being an example to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:1-4

Peter had runs on the board, he had gone before, He had walked with Jesus and knew a relationship that the ones who came after could only respect and wonder about.

He had authority in saying: 'shepherd God's flock among you.'

 

Jesus had taught about the characteristics of a good shepherd, 'He lays down His life for His sheep.' The role of a shepherd was not that of an overseer or an employee but one who would die for the sheep. This requires heart and soul, sacrifice and trust.

As I have said before: sheep are stupid animals, yet Christ chose to die for a people he called sheep.

Peter is challenging leaders with the love of Christ. The love of Christ compels me to train, uplift, encourage, gently discipline and die for my sheep.

My sheep are my staff and my lost friends, family and neighbours.

He knows then better than I do, He created them, has a plan for them, desires them to become like Him, free.

Berrating them will not change them, it will hurt them, crush them, bruise them, alienate them but not lead them to the freedom held captive by truth. I must die to my opinions, my attitudes, my likes and dislikes and follow my leader. Amen!