Richard Wright, USA, said,
There is no better picture of the role of a shepherd than the one provided by David, the shepherd-king, in Psalm 23. From his boyhood he knew the life of a shepherd. He lived out in the fields with his sheep so he came to know his sheep well. Even in the beginning of his service for Saul he still went back and forth to his flock.
David had the heart of a shepherd both for his sheep and later for his people as their shepherd-king. He risked his life when he faced a lion and later a bear to defend the flock (1 Sam. 17:34- 36). He repeatedly risked his life fighting for his people.
There are certain characteristics outlined in Psalm 23 that we need to take notice of: The shepherd provides abundant Spiritual nourishment “He makes us lie down in green pastures.” Adequate spiritual food is the primary reason for needing a shepherd. Lying down suggests eating to satisfaction then resting and being blessed. The sheep that lie down in green pastures have all they need The shepherd leads constantly to Spiritual refreshment Every Christian needs special times of Spiritual refreshment. “He leads me beside quiet waters . . .” speaks of Gods provision of constant opportunities of spiritual thirst to be quenched. It is normal for a Christian to long for more and more of God The shepherd aids Spiritual restoration.
It is a fact of church life that from time to time that we all need Spiritual restoration. Satan is ever present to tempt us to spiritual negligence, to cool off and relax spiritually, or to yield to the temptations of the world.
The shepherd watches for the enemies attack, signs of discouragement, weakness, or temptation and gently restores by love and forgiveness. The shepherd must give guidance to the flock Just as counseling is the primary role of the Holy Spirit, so counseling is an important aspect of the shepherd’s role in ministry. The Greek work parakletos, which Jesus used as a name for the Holy Spirit is translated as Comforter, Helper, or Counselor. It fact, some Bible translations prefer “Counselor.”
The Holy Spirit is given to us to guide us into all truth (John 16:13) and in many others ways. The Holy Spirit loves to lead each Christian (Romans 8:14) The shepherd must be with their people in times of need Just as David knew that God his Shepherd was near him (“you are with me”-Ps. 23: 4), people need to know that their shepherd is available and ready to share in their hour of need Pastor Tammy and I count it a blessing to be in ministry with the “Chief Shepherd” Jesus, at Central. We desire to be a constant blessing to you and simply want to show you the Love of God. But we are not the only shepherds at Central. We have an ongoing ministry of “Care Shepherds” that have flocks to watch over as they care for others. This group has been in existence since Pastor Joe Green was here several years ago. Kathy Hall and Gayle Miller have been a great inspiration and leaders for this group for many years now. Inspired by the book, “Can The Pastor Do It Alone?” by Melvin J. Steinbron this ministry is of great support to Central and we are so thankful for all the care shepherds that faithfully commit to this ministry.
This coming Sunday we will have an installation service at the 11:00am worship hour. The care shepherds who have recently completed their training as well as those who are currently serving as care shepherds will be commissioned for service. You will see them ushering, greeting, and serving among you. Be in prayer for them. If you would like more information about this ministry please contact Kathy Hall or Gayle Miller. Again, Pastor Tammy and I would like to say thank you to all the Care Shepherds at Central. We are appreciative for all the contacts they make each year, for helping with meals when a member “graduates” to heaven, and just being the hands of Jesus at Central.
Thank you for doing as Jesus mandated to Peter, “Peter do you love me? Feed my sheep—care for my sheep!” When you and I care for others it means we love Jesus! Do you love him?
