The Shepherd and the Flock

From: The Christian Shepherd: 2003

• 1 min. read • grade level: 8

It is the Shepherd not the sheep who uses the rod and the staff when needed. But a wise shepherd uses those instruments to keep the sheep from straying, not to isolate or withdraw from them.

The flock is one (John 10) and this thought is the opposite of separation and withdrawal. While he keeps the flock together as one, the shepherd also seeks out and brings back to the bosom of the flock the sick, wounded and straying sheep.

In 1 Corinthians 4:15¹⁵For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. (1 Corinthians 4:15) I was struck by the words, “Ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers.” We need spiritual fathers who will guide and shepherd (as under-shepherds) the flock. Jesus said, “Feed My lambs... shepherd My sheep... feed My sheep” (John 21:15-17¹⁵So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. ¹⁶He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. ¹⁷He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (John 21:15‑17) JND).

It is touching to realize that the good Shepherd doesn’t rest until the wandering sheep is returned to safety in the fold. Too, how important to remember that the ninety and nine sheep who remain there and don’t stray aren’t in the right place because of their own wisdom or strength. Thus, when one lost sheep is safely returned to the flock by the Shepherd, should it not be welcomed back with joy?

“Draw me, we will run after thee” (Song of Sol. 1:4⁴Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. (Song of Solomon 1:4)). The sheep follow the shepherd, for they “know his voice” (John 10:4⁴And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (John 10:4)). The sheep of Christ who love the Shepherd naturally desire that all the other sheep would be found in His blessed presence too.

“In Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore” (Psa. 16:11¹¹Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11)).

Ed. (adapted from an email)

Click here to show subject links in the text for more information.