Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps were not known. You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. (Psalm 77:19-20)
In the last verse of this psalm, there is a very important concept acknowledged — as the Great Shepherd, God looks for men and women who will shepherd His people in a similar fashion. God raises up the shepherds of His people from those who have learned to care for the weak and defenseless. Moses was tending his father-in-law’s flocks, in the wilderness, when God called him. David was watching over his father’s sheep when he was summoned to be anointed king over Israel. Apparently, those who are faithful to find pasture for sheep belonging to other men are those God will use to lead His flock.
Not only does God looks for humble and devoted leaders to watch over His people, He expects a great deal from them. Consider what He said to some of the leaders in subsequent generations: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! … You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock (Ezekiel 34:2-3). As the prophet continues, God warns them that He will require His flock at their hand. The point is the Almighty is very interested in how His sheep are treated by those He has appointed to oversee them.
That is why, in part at least, God does not elevate men to great position until they have been tested in smaller matters. None can be expected to be thrust to the head of the line, so to speak, until they have demonstrated faithfulness in situations that are relatively insignificant compared to what they may desire to do. It is as Messiah said: “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave … And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 20:26-27; 23:12).
In whatever capacity we shepherd others — whether a congregation of families or just our family — let us lead with care, consideration and commitment. The Great Shepherd is watching.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments