Then Jacob (Israel) blessed Joseph, and said, “The God before
whom my father’s Abraham and Isaac walked [in faithful obedience], The God who
has been my Shepherd [leading and caring for me] all my life to this day Genesis 48:15
(AMP). A shepherd is clearly one who leads and cares for what has been
committed into his hand. Here Jacob adopted the two sons of Joseph, Ephraim and
Manasseh, and committed them into the hands of the Ultimate Shepherd (Almighty
God). Beloved He knew that life without a shepherd is a journey where you
wander aimlessly.
He also understood the secret behind his father (Isaac), and
grandfather’s (Abraham) success, was THE Shepherd. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
committed their lives and destiny into the Hands of Almighty God and walked in
faithfulness and obedience to Him. He cared and led them all through their life
journey.
Who is the Good Shepherd?
Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. The bible describes the
character of Jesus the good shepherd.
· Firstly, He gives life to His flock. I
came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance, John
10:11b AMP. I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish John
10:28 AMP
· Secondly, He gives HIS life for us so
that we may be reconciled back to God. I am the Good Shepherd, the Good Shepherd
risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep John 10:11b-12 AMP. Now
may the God of peace [who is the Author and Giver of peace], who brought again
from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, by the
blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament)
Hebrew 13:20 AMP.
· Psalm 23 shows us He provides for all
our needs (1), gives us peace and strength (2), guides us (3), protects and
comforts us (4 ) honours and anoints us (5) and show us His unfailing love
eternally (6).
Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd, feeds the flock without
making a distinction. He will feed His flock like a shepherd: He
will gather the lambs in His hands, He will carry them in His bosom and will
gently lead those that have their young, Isaiah 40:11 AMP. Do you want
the Christ, THE Shepherd, and Messiah to lead and care for you? Then, you must
hand yourself over to Him.
The Flock
And as for you, O My flock, thus says the Lord God: Behold, I
judge between sheep and sheep, between the rams and the great he-goats [the
malicious and the tyrants of the pasture] Ezekiel 34:17 (AMP). Beloved note the
flock comprises of sheep and goats who are all under the benevolence of the
shepherd. Both are well-cared and provided for by the shepherd. The sheep and
goats are allowed to graze and mingle together in the same pasture by the
shepherd.
Who are the sheep?
The sheep are those who believe and follow Jesus Christ to
the end. Not those who repent today and backslide tomorrow and remain in that
state. They pledge their unalloyed loyalty to the Shepherd till eternity. They
are godly, obedient and patient. The sheep follow the narrow gate that leads to
the sheep pen (Heaven) and are pressing in but in an orderly manner. They remain
steadfast and hold fast to their faith. They are ready to defend their faith
even with their own blood. They know the Shepherd and hear/recognise His voice
[John 10:3,27] and are submissive to him. The Shepherd also knows them [John
10:14]. Does the Shepherd know you? Let us take a look at the character of the
sheep.
Character of the Sheep
The docility, politeness and honesty of a sheep is what
distinguishes him/her from the rest. If you are to be counted as a sheep you must
be dutiful in all things and must not be found wanting. The work God commits
into your hands must be done with zeal through Christ Jesus. You must make Holy
Spirit your partner. You must be meek and humble not according to your own
standards/parameters but according to the standards set by the Shepherd in the
scripture. This demands loyalty, respect to the Shepherd who cares and provides
for you. Your commitment to the kingdom of God must not be in doubt. You must
have a right standing relationship with God. God must be able to trust you as you
uphold the charge.
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