"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you." (1 Peter 5:2)
There is a shepherd's crook in my office right by my door. This simple wooden pole is not flashy and often goes unnoticed as people come and go. However, it holds a special place in my life. It was given to me as a gift from a group of pastors who poured into me and trained me to be a pastor. It stands there to remind me of my primary job: to shepherd the flock of God. When I get behind the pulpit, as I make visits, and while I plan and prepare Bible studies, I am a shepherd.
This holy responsibility brings with it a humbling weight. When I read Peter's command, I am reminded of just how ill-equipped I am for the task given to me. But there are moments, when the title of shepherd eclipses my primary identity. I am tempted to separate myself from the sheep of the flock and raise myself above them. I am drawn by the desire to accomplish my profession and calling in a way that ignores who I am to begin with. While I am privileged to be a shepherd, I am a sheep first. 1 Peter 5:2 is the theme of my ministry, but Psalm 23 must be the anthem of my life.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
It is my prayer that the Lord would use this blog to remind me of this fundamental truth. If it accomplishes nothing else, then it will have been worth the effort. But perhaps God will be gracious and kind to use my reflections as reminders to you as well.
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