HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine: Special Feature: They Smell Like Sheep, page 2

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Leadership in the Jesus Style

 
Shepherds in "Olden" Times
Shepherds in Bible times were as familiar in the Middle East as are automobiles and telephones in modern America. But in those days, sheep were not crowded into feedlots and tracked by computers. Shepherds did not get their jobs by answering "Help wanted on Bethlehem-area sheep ranch" ads at the employment office. Shepherding was no part-time fair-weather affair. Ancient shepherds actually lived a sheep's lifetime in the pasture with the flock. When a tiny lamb was born into his wilderness world, among the first sensations felt by the shivering lamb was the tender touch of the shepherd. And the shepherd's gentle voice helped awaken the lamb's delicate eardrums. The shepherd protected the lambs, talked to them, caressed them, and led them to the fresh pools and luxuriant pastures, day and night. By the time the lambs reached "ewe-hood" or "ram-hood" they completely relied on that one shepherd and followed his voice and his alone. That is how flocks were formed.
It's how spiritual flocks are formed today as well. People naturally gather around a loving, serving Christian who nourishes their faith, guides them, protects them, and affirms them with affectionate touch and loving word. What is a shepherd? Grab your pencil and circle the profound answer: A shepherd is someone who has a flock.
God As Shepherd

Good elders are gentle, hands-on shepherds who smell like sheep.

The Bible first applies the word shepherd to God himself. "The Lord is my shepherd..." (Psalm 23:1). "He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart" (Isaiah 40:11). Get the picture? An awkward newborn lamb, ears askew, one gangly leg dangling from near the shepherd's elbow. A bearded head nuzzling the lamb's cheek and a resonant voice murmuring gently to the delicate creature as shepherd and lamb move through the twilight. Oh, yes, "We are the people of his pasture, and the flock under his care" (Psalm 95:7).
Prophets, Priests and Kings as Shepherds
Scripture also pictures God's prophets and priests and kings as shepherds. God "chose David his servant... from the sheep pens, from tending sheep God called David to be the shepherd of his people..." (Psalm 78:70-72). God also warned false shepherds: "Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture. I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done .... You have not strengthened the weak or... bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally" (Ezekiel 34:1-4). Church leaders, listen up!

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