PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Aug
08
08
Leading Like The Good Shepherd
John Tilton
Scripture
John 10:14-17 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.
Observation
Jesus reiterates clearly that He is the Good Shepherd and that He and His believers have a very close relationship based on truly knowing one another, which is an anointed one acknowledging that it is liken to His relationship with His Father, God almighty. The relationship is so close that He would lay down is life for His believers and did so. Furthermore, there are those that don’t know Him as their shepherd; and He is determined that they would become His sheep as well. He speaks of the chosen people of Israel and the gentiles being one in family in Christ for those who choose Christ. Thus, He will lay down His life for all that choose Him and will be resurrected.
Application
God has called me to be a good shepherd … to my wife, to my family and to those that He will place before me with an opportunity to lead to know Him as Savior including those that I will be called to disciple and lead in continuance. These scriptures affirm and prompt me that as one who seeks to be a good shepherd to those God calls me to lead, I am to lead with all of my ability, sacrifice, grace and heart. Although, I may not be called to lay down my life physically, may I be willing to lay down my life in those things that I will have the opportunity to do in leading and loving them, like Jesus loves us as His sheep.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I know that having the privilege of being called to be a leader, you call me to lead with dedication, love and grace. Please guide me to do so emulating Jesus love and heart as I lead with my wife, my family and those you call me to lead.
