Monday, February 28, 2011

Hi all,

For this week, I would like to share with you 1 Pet 5: 2-4. I’ve been thinking what does this really mean to be a shepherd. All of us can be a shepherd if we choose to be. Who are our ‘sheep’ then? For some of you, it’s the people that you’re leading in your service, in your visitation. For the helpers, you are a teacher/shepherd to the little ones. And we know from Pro 22: 6 that we are meant to be the one that leads the child in the right way.

Pro 22: 6 – Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

So what does it mean to be a shepherd? It’s takes maybe about 6-9 months to be a leader (serve regularly, be faithful, accountable and willing to be discipled), but it takes a much longer time to be a shepherd! We are not perfect and it’s not easy to be a good shepherd, but we have our Chief Shepherd, Jesus. And we can learn from Him.

In Vs 2 -3, it say, “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gains but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock”

Focus on the sheep that is among you first, even if it’s just 2-3 kids, be faithful in the little things, and God honors that. Most importantly, as we serve as overseers, as their shepherds, we should not do it out of compulsion, but willingly. To me, this is the most important criteria of being a shepherd. We were sinners, but Jesus our shepherd died on the cross for us willingly. Did we deserve it? Definitely not, but He still did it willingly. I pray that in all your works, that you will do it out of a willing heart.

“Not for dishonest gains but eagerly” – In all that we serve/do, we are not seeking to gain gratitude, favors or blessings. But in all that we do, serve eagerly, going the extra mile. That’s being a shepherd! Serving beyond expectations!

“Being examples to the flock” - To be a shepherd, we need to lead by example to our flock!

Delegating work works, provided the one delegating works, too! – Robert Half

In the same way, if we do not lead by example, how would the flock know how to follow? Thus, I would like to challenge each one of you, be a good role model to your flock! It’s easy for me to tell you to study the Word more this year, but I must first challenge myself to do it. That’s the very reason why I choose to commit to writing devotions to you!

Finally, in Vs 4, it says “and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away”.

Every often, when we serve, in our own natural mind, we wish that there will be people who appreciates what we do. I always think in this manner too. But deep down in my heart, I know that even if no one appreciates me, God does. And I know as long as I continue to do what I can to be a good shepherd, one day, I will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away!

I pray that you will be blessed by this sharing! Looking forward to hearing from you guys! 
L1v1nG 4 JeSuS at Monday, February 28, 2011