PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 10:11-21
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
As a leader in a church, I often focus on different aspects of leadership.
Casting vision, mobilizing believers, setting S.M.A.R.T. goals for success.
Providing inspirational, helpful leadership through challenging situations.
But Jesus reminds me of another important aspect of a good leader (shepherd).
Jesus here refers to Ezekiel’s prophecies, about leaders who look out for themselves.
“Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves!” (Ezekiel 34:2)
Self-serving leaders who look out primarily for their own interests.
But Ezekiel also promises that one day God Himself will come for his sheep.
“I will search for the lost and bring back the strays.
I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.” (Ezekiel 34:15)
I believe that Jesus is the one Ezekiel is talking about.
Jesus is a good shepherd, the kind of leader our world needs.
Not only do I look to him as my Leader (Lord), I want to be a good leader like him!
As a shepherd (leader, teacher, parent, manager, boss, etc.) who is your role model?
PRAYER
Lord, the way I ‘lead’ others matters. Bad leadership is ruining our world, we need your good leadership to save it. Help me to seek AND follow your leadership.
Jesus really cares – as a shepherd who risks his life for the sheep! He’s the one that would leave the 99 as a group and find the missing 1. He found me and he is out looking for more: ” I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also.” If that is what the shepherd does, the sheep should follow. I too need to committed to finding others – to invite them to come to the security of the fold and the care of the good shepherd. Bless me Lord Jesus so that I too may be a faithful sheep that follows you!
The Lord is my shepherd keeping me safe and secure in the palm of His hand. He leads me and guides me by His voice that I must listen to always for He cares for me. There is no other comfort than to be safe in His hand. Help me daily Lord to listen to Your voice following You in all I do and say.
All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well,
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
2
All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.
3
All the way my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His grace!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s blest embrace.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.