The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-21) 260307
I feel shameful and guilty when I read today’s passage. When I read about Jesus is a good shepherd (v11,14) to His sheep, I know that I have failed and fall short of Jesus standard as a shepherd to my cell group members and others who God has entrusted me to shepherd them.
I recalled that the Biblical Abel was the first shepherd (Gen 4:2). I always wanted to be a good shepherd, though I might not be very gifted in external gifting as a leader, but I always think that I have a God-given heart and inner calling to be a leader. I want to be the Biblical Abel, a shepherd who offered a pleasing sacrifice to God.
Last weekend, was really very busy for me. Beside regular Boys’ Brigade parade in Saturday morning, I have to plan and to prepare for manpower distribution of the walkaton of my Bible College later in the afternoon. Meanwhile, I have to try to squeeze time to fill in and submit a report to Boys’ Brigade Headquarter by the end of Saturday. And Sunday, as the usual youths session, I also have to rush back to Covenant to attend BAG leaders meeting (Ministry Community). Then have to go to my mother-in-law to celebrate her birthday! What an fulfilling weekend I had!
During the Ministry Community (MC), I was reminded that it was not easy to be a good shepherd. I my cell group, I only have less than twenty members. They come in all different shapes and sizes, they are in different life-stage, they have different real and genuine concerns in life. Some are students, struggling with studies (that includes me); some are parents to be, learning how to cope with an extra member joining into their family; some are young working adult, trying to make sense and find a purpose that their job can possibly give them; and some are teachers, just enduring the pressures and demands from the school, students, parents and the education system, and yet trying to find a place for all these in their passion for teaching (I was once a teacher).
I really have difficulties in helping all my precious sheep to grow. I really want them to be well-fed, I really hope that they can give the same level of commitment. I wish that I can give each and every one of them equal amount of attention and love that a good shepherd would do. But I cannot. I cannot because I am a finite human. I have only 24 hours a day and I have only 7 days a week. I know how much I can do, and I know that if I stretch myself too much, I will not be able to be a shepherd anymore. I may become a sheep lying on the altar, waiting to be burnt! Just like the weekend that have just passed, I was too busy, and I was really tired out at the end of it and I have no energy for anything constructive on Monday. But yet, I have to go back to school later for project meeting and have to attend a wake in the evening.
I am not a good shepherd, but I know that my Shepherd, Jesus is the Good Shepherd! I need Him to being me to find Pasteur (v9), I know that He will lay down His life for me when I am too weak to fend for myself (v11,15), and I now that I can hear His voice as much as He will hear my voice (v4). I simply need to follow my Shepherd, then the other sheep will also follow on.
As I am about to finish today devotion, I find a sense of release. I know that though God has called me to be a shepherd to His sheep, but my job is to direct them to the Good Shepherd whom I am following and He will be the Good Shepherd to them. Now I feel better, not as guilty and shameful. I can feel tired and rest in my Good Shepherd’s strong and comforting arms.
Do you have also need a shepherd to bring you to green pasture and refreshing water? Look to Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Take time to rest in His strong and comforting arms, let Him carries you while you are tired.
Shepherd of my soul
I give You full control
Wherever You may lead I will follow
I have made the choice
To listen for Your voice
Wherever You may lead I will go
Be it in a quiet pasture
Or by a gentle stream
The Shepherd of my soul is by my side
Should I face a mighty mountain
Or a valley dark and deep
The Shepherd of my soul will be my guide
