Swept Away by Grace—A Study in I Peter (part 21)—Shepherd the Sheep
Throughout the scripture, Christ is often referred to as the “Good Shepherd”. Why shepherd and why sheep? Have you ever been around sheep much? They are among the most vulnerable of all the creatures. They are known to follow the crowd even into their own peril—example if the lead sheep falls off the cliff, the remainder will follow blindly. They have no defense against their predators and can easily be killed by whatever predator comes upon them. Then, of course, there is that incessant bleating cry. Beginning to sound a bit like us humans?
Then let’s look at the relationship of the shepherd to his sheep. He had to constantly lead them to the better meadows for food—gently and tenderly. He usually spent day and night with the flock, protecting them and guiding them along the hillsides. He was the one to protect them from the predators and keep them from going astray. Sheep in the Bible times and even in modern Israel are not kept in pens because finding grassland is difficult, so they must know their shepherd’s voice in order to follow.
John 10: 9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture…11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep…14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
A “Good Shepherd” always is tender, gentle and lovingly protective of his sheep—making certain they are feed and are safe. He would give his life to protect his sheep. It required tender guidance to lead the sheep because sheep would only become confused and chaotically scatter were the shepherd to use anger or force to try to lead them.
It is in that context, that Peter turns to tell the elders of the church (the preachers, the teachers and the leaders) to feed the sheep. Read the scripture, here to see his admonition to them; as he places himself in the midst as one of the elders himself.
I Peter 5: (TLB) “1And now, a word to you elders of the church. I, too, am an elder; with my own eyes I saw Christ dying on the cross; and I, too, will share his glory and his honor when he returns. Fellow elders, this is my plea to you: 2 Feed the flock of God; care for it willingly, not grudgingly; not for what you will get out of it but because you are eager to serve the Lord. 3 Don’t be tyrants, but lead them by your good example, 4 and when the Head Shepherd comes, your reward will be a never-ending share in his glory and honor.”
He has pleaded with them to care for, feed and protect the flock they are given with tenderness of heart, diligence of study and labor, and out of a heart of humble love. They are not to be trying to seek positions of prideful authority nor monetary gain. Their heart is to be a heart like Jesus. In fact, he reminds them to keep their focus and gaze upon Jesus Christ and the Glory, honor that is still yet to be fully revealed.
Let us each go out remembering who is our Great Shepherd and sing along with me Shepherd of My Soul and as such then shepherd the flock we are given.
Living Bible (TLB)
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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