Devotion - Tuesday, January 10

In Jeremiah 23, the prophet speaks of a time when God will send new shepherds to replace the shepherds who have not been attentive to the sheep. In John 10, Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd, as the one who will tend to the lost lambs. Seward Hiltner writes, "Shepherding occupies a quite unique place in Christianity... No other religion than that of Christ absorbs all ideas of ministration within the idea of Pastorship."

It is terribly important that those who follow Jesus understand the importance of shepherding.

In a flock, there are shepherds and there are sheep. Within the fold which belongs to Christ, the line isn't so permanently drawn. In one instance, we might be the sheep; in another we might be asked to take on the role of shepherd. It is best if we understand ourselves as sometimes occupying one role; sometimes occupying the other.

Start your day with the confidence that God has appointed shepherds for you. That God will provide good and faithful shepherds, who are looking out for your well-being and ensuring that you are cared for and protected. With such confidence, you need never feel alone.

Move through your day looking to identify the opportunities you have to serve as shepherd to another. It is only occasionally that the shepherd is called upon to fight off lions. Most shepherds will spend their whole life without such an encounter. Mostly, the shepherd remembers where there is water and leads the sheep in that direction. The primary task is to use your height (shepherds stand upright rather than all fours) to see where the grass is growing. Help the sheep move in that direction.

Sheep - shepherd. We are each a bit of both. Assuming both roles (at various times in our day) keeps the flock healthy and happy and well cared for.

"Shepherding occupies a quite unique place in Christianity."