A good shepherd is a good master. A good shepherd is a good leader. A good shepherd is a good teacher. A good shepherd is a good role model. A good shepherd is a Godly minister. A good shepherd is a Godly councilor. In the gospel, Jesus is described as the good shepherd and he released that anointing upon us through the Holy Spirit that we can also be good shepherds. The shepherd goes ahead of the sheep and the sheep follow Him. Any true leader will lead by example. A case of a good shepherd is not to do-as-I-say but lead by example.
Jesus said in the word: My sheep know me and I know my sheep and they know His voice. A good shepherd is trustworthy. Sheeps follow the good shepherd because they know His voice. This was learnt overtime from the consistent and caring treatment from the shepherd towards the sheeps. A good leader needs to cultivate a good sense of trust from those he or she leads. This is a quality where one’s voice speaks volume about the character and care of a leader. A good leader who is a shepherd makes provision for his sheeps in any situation and in any circumstances.
A shepherd provides good pasture (that is Psalm 23:1). Verily as a leader, you are to provide for your sheep and make them comfortable. True leaders provides for the needs of those they lead. As a husband in the family, you must be a good shepherd to your marriage, a good shepherd to your children, a good shepherd to your family. You are to provide and save your family from every trouble. You are not to rule but to lead by example. As a good wife you must be a good shepherd by being a supporting pillar indeed. Creating peace in your marriage, creating joy in your marriage by taking care of the family including your husband and the children. You are the care-giver of your home, be a good shepherd to your marriage.
As a good shepherd, teach your children the ways of the Lord. As a good shepherd, learn to create peace. As a good shepherd, learn to forgive. As a good shepherd, carry others along. As a good shepherd, think of others first. As a good shepherd, think good of others better than yourself. As a good shepherd, be very very truthful. As a good shepherd, stand by your words. As a good shepherd, don’t have a double mouth. As a good shepherd, do not abandon your sheeps when there is crisis. As a good shepherd, do not condemn. As a good shepherd, do not discriminate. As a good shepherd, do not pass judgement. As a good shepherd, you wage war on behalf of your sheeps.
I want every shepherd to ponder over this message in the book of Psalm 23:1-3. Today, as a husband, as a wife, as a pastor, as a head of department in the church or office, as a director, as a principal, as a teacher, you claim to become a shepherd because you are a leader. And in the book of Psalm 23:1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
- He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. As a head of department in the church, I want you to ponder over this today: How many of your subordinates have you called in this lockdown to know how they are doing? How many have you called to check on as a pastor, as a choir master, as the head of ushers, as the women’s leader, as the men’s leader, as the head of prayer warrior, In your department, outside your department, those you are being a shepherd for, how many have you checked on? I want us to ponder over this today.
We must emulate the things of the Lord because we are His flag bearer. We are the Ambassadors of Christ. We are Christlike. His Spirit lives in us. We must exhibit the character of Jesus. How many of us as a leader, as an elder in the family, have been calling our extended family in this lockdown? How many of us have been extending gesture to our loved ones that have not? How have you cared for others? Be a good shepherd. As you be a good shepherd, the Lord will be with you. The Lord will guide you.
By Pastor Benson Enakhena, El-Shaddai Salvation Family Ministries.
