LOOKING FOR A SHEPHERD

In our culture it is common to ‘look for a church’ that we think might ‘meet our needs.’ After we go through the programs and check out the amenities and then rate the worship team… we especially determine our connection by the person preaching who is often called a pastor, rector, vicar, shepherd, abbot, minister, priest, father, parson, preacher, reverend, divine, cleric or some other manmade religious term or title.

All of us need a shepherd of some kind and to be a shepherd to others of some kind. The shepherd role is basic to human life. A function of protection, provision and place. It is like I read about the bears in Yosemite National Park… The Park Ranger said: “They will be protective and aggressive about food, cubs and space.” Just normal and natural order for shepherding care for most living things.

To understand this position we must first point others and ourselves to a Psalm 23 understanding: The Lord is my Shepherd. This text covers all of the protection, provision and place issues. Before looking for, or trying to be a shepherd we must be grounded in The Shepherd. Reality and function, not religious titles make shepherds. Titular authority only gives power to the title and not the person.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Jesus