Shepherd the Flock

“…shepherd the flock of God that is among you…And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Humble yourselves…Casting all your anxieties on Him…Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:1-11

As we sit in the posture of empty hands and new hearts, we sit bowed down at Jesus’ feet. He has called us to let go of boasting in our strength, to surrender our confidence in our self-sufficiency, our identities, and our own understanding. The emptying of ourselves and the filling of His Spirit is an ongoing journey. The tension lies between picking up the things we do not need and letting them go again. They may slow us down or distract us on the path, but He will always pull us back on track. Just like a shepherd does for his flock.

And after we have sat down on the side of the road to reorient ourselves, to take a breath and rest in His presence, we get back up. Why? Because He calls us to return to the journey of going towards His direction. To bring others on this journey and encourage them to keep going. He calls us to continually stand as an example for fellow believers. To stand up and to stand firm, both in following and in leading. Our identity as His chosen people. Our authority as His crowned heirs. To stand firm is not just about us or for us, but others. For the sheep herd. Not for our sake, but for His church and His glory.

A shepherd awakes in the dark;

though the sun has not yet appeared,

he begins the start of a new day, of new morning mercies,

knowing his old day has shed away.

He clothes himself with his robe of humility,

and reaches for his staff, an instrument of authority,

He is dressed ready,

given a crown of righteousness,

and Words of direction.

Opening the gate,

His most precious treasures are free to roam.

He trusts

the vast spaces and green pastures.

Yet keeps

a sharp eye

on the shadowed places.

He is a heart-steward.

A lamp-lit-example,

On a hill, in a field, or in a dark valley.

And like The Shepherd,

who has gone before him

and behind,

he weeps in loss

and rejoices in the found.

Pressing toward an eternal splendor when all will be

restored,

confirmed,

strengthened,

established.

For another day of grace has been given

to the flock,

until the gift of perfect rest lays upon them,

And The Shepherd calls them in.

God calls each of us to sit and be shepherded, then to stand and shepherd.

Who are your herdsmen? Are you heeding their direction?

Who is your flock? What is your example?