What Is A Shepherd? / Part One

Series – December 2013 – Grace & Truth Magazine

What Is A Shepherd? / Part One

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep.” —John 10:14 KJV

Definition of “pastor”: “A shepherd, one who tends herds or flocks” (Vine’s An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). “Pastor” and “shepherd” are the same word in the original Greek.

When God enters into a relationship with a group of persons and calls them His people, He makes Himself responsible for their care as a shepherd looks after his flock. It is a blessing to know that God has always concerned Himself for His sheep and provided for them in the best possible way.

In this short study we will see:

• How He provides and cares for those who are precious to His heart.
• He Himself has given to some of His servants the very special charge of caring for His own.
• The precious work that He has entrusted into the hands of those who have this great privilege and responsibility of being instruments of the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Shepherd work is a work of those who are valiant. It is for the one who has been called by the Lord and is willing to serve sacrificially with his whole heart. There is One who gives this charge and to whom His servants are accountable.
• Even though not all have been given the gift of a shepherd, each one of us has the privilege and responsibility to care for one another.

The First Shepherd
God tells us in Genesis, “Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof” (Gen. 4:2-4).

We remember that Adam and Eve were put out of the garden after they sinned. Some time later they had two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain cultivated crops and Abel shepherded sheep and goats. As we consider this it is interesting to see that God speaks of eating meat only after the flood. It seems that Abel did not have his animals for meat. So, what did Abel do with his sheep? He brought the best and the fattest as an offering to God!

What a beautiful example, full of significance, for all pastors! The first shepherd mentioned in the Bible had as his purpose of heart to care for the sheep in such a way that he could present them to God as a special offering – well cared for, strong, fat, healthy, pleasant, without defect or wound; something that would be very pleasing to the heart of God to His honor and glory. By contrast, during the time of Malachi the priests offered animals that were damaged, lame and torn; to God’s displeasure (Mal. 1:8). Abel is a wonderful example in his attitude, care, selflessness and purpose of heart.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was the perfect shepherd. We read: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). What was this joy that was before the Lord Jesus? It was to glorify God. Certainly it had to do with our salvation and bringing many sons to glory, but His foremost desire was to glorify God and to restore that which Satan had robbed through sin. This was His joy. He was ready to suffer the mocking, the hate, the shame, the curse of being nailed to the cross, the abuses of man, and the weight of our sins – even to be made sin and to be forsaken by the Holy God. He did this for God and to have sheep from every tribe, tongue, people and nation. It was for these reasons that the Good Shepherd suffered, even to the point of giving His life for His sheep. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mt. 20:28). The Lord Jesus, our perfect example, said, “I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd giveth His life for His sheep” (Jn. 10:11). The Lord Jesus Christ came to seek that wayward, lost sheep. Finding that one, He carried it on His shoulders, rejoicing (Lk. 15:4-5).

The Good Shepherd
The Lord Jesus not only gave His life so that His sheep could have eternal life, but He also shepherds them every day. He cares and provides for every need of the believer while they are in this hostile, worldly wilderness. Psalm 23 shows us what the Lord, the Good Shepherd, does for His sheep on a daily basis. In this He is the example for pastors as to how they should serve, minister and shepherd the sheep that the Lord has put under their care. When we read this chapter questions for pastors are brought to mind:

• “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (v.1). Can the sheep under your care say the same about the way that you are caring for them? Are you really meeting their needs?
• “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures” (v.2a). As the sheep are not able to rest unless they are satisfied, thinking of the green pastures, what are you giving your sheep to eat? Are you giving good things: “spiritual milk” (1 Pet. 2:2) and the Word of God? Or are you presenting things that are not from the Bible, such as your own opinions, unbiblical denominational teachings, words to tickle the ears, or ideas and thoughts that will not offend the congregation so as not to lose members? Sheep lie down when they are at peace. Is the situation in their personal lives and in the flock such that they can rest quietly, or is there friction and strife? Problems between sheep affect the entire flock.
• “He leadeth me beside still waters” (v.2b). Are you satisfying the thirst of the sheep with pure, fresh water (Jn. 7:37-38)?
• “He restoreth my soul” (v.3a). Are you able to comfort or restore those who have hurts and pains in their lives, in their marriages or in their homes? Do you have a good knowledge of the condition, needs and concerns of the sheep? Do you have time for them?
• “He leadeth me in the path of righteousness” (v.3b). Are you leading the sheep blamelessly and without respect of persons, yourself being truly righteous? Do you know the right way so that you are able and qualified to guide others?
• “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me” (v.4). Are you ready to put yourself in front of danger for the protection of the sheep? Do you have the necessary instruments to protect them, guide them and correct them? Are you sufficiently competent to use the instruments in a correct way that will not hurt or discourage?
• “Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies” (v.5a). While here in the enemy’s land where believers are mocked and despised, are you able to provide a spiritual feast for the sheep entrusted to you? Can you direct them to the Lord Jesus?
• “Thou anointest my head with oil” (v.5b). At times there are wounds and disease in the sheep that require the application of the correct medicine in a loving, gentle way. Do you know how to do that?
• “My cup runneth over” (v.5c). Are the cups of your sheep running over in praise to God for what He has provided for them, including the care granted through the shepherd in whose hands God has placed them?

Self Evaluation
As His sheep, this should be our response when we think of the Perfect and Good Shepherd and the wonderful care that He gives us. But sadly, many times we complain and are not content. This is our fault, not His. In the same way, the sheep that God has put under our care are many times not satisfied and content. As a pastor, one may need to ask: Is it my fault? Am I an Abel? Am I following the example of the Good Shepherd?

By Albert Blok

Look for part two of this series for pastors next month!