If the Lord is my shepherd, what’s my obligation to those I lead?
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” – Psalm 23:1-3
Shepherd is the primary metaphor in the Bible for God as our leader. We see that in Psalm 23. Written by David, who grew up as a shepherd, the great king of Isreal recognized God as the ultimate shepherd.
Old Testament leaders’ rampant disregard for their sheep led to a longing for a better shepherd, the promised Messiah.
Three authors of the New Testament refer to Jesus’s role as a shepherd (Hebrews 13:20-21; 1 Peter 2:25; Revelation 7:17).
David risked his life and killed bear and lion to protect his sheep, foreshadowing the Good Shepherd, God incarnate, who laid down his life for his sheep (John 10:11).
A true shepherd, a true leader, serves not to get something from the sheep but to sacrifice for his flock. Apostles, evangelists, pastors, and elders have the privilege of leading and feeding the sheep if they’re willing to lay down their lives for the sheep.
Shepherding is noble only when we suffer. This is a theological twist that’s incomprehensible to those who don’t know the Good Shepherd—our God who suffered on our behalf.
