What does a good shepherd do?

Even if we don’t know anything about sheep, we can know how to be a good shepherd. 

God’s actions toward His people are our greatest example of how a good shepherd cares for his sheep. Psalm 105 recounts how God brought Moses and the nation of Israel out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the promised land. 

Like a good shepherd, God provided for His people. He made sure Israel never went without food, even sending quail and bread as they wandered the desert. As a good shepherd, God guided His people. He prepared the way, then covered and lit the path for Israel to follow. God also refreshed His people, quenching their thirst with water from a rock. 

As group leaders, we have been entrusted with people to shepherd. Our journey is a spiritual one, but our needs are the same. Our groups, like Israel, need God’s provision, guidance, and refreshment.

When we meet a need, share a meal, or study the Bible together, we see God provide for His people’s physical and spiritual hunger. When we offer wise counsel or explain what it looks like to follow Jesus, we see God guide His people to their next steps. And, when we encourage one another with good news, we get to see God refreshing His people the same way a cold drink refreshes us on a hot day (Proverbs 25:13, Proverbs 25:25). 

God will do the providing, the guiding, and the refreshing. But He wants to do it through you. 

As group leaders, we are a conduit of God’s providing, guiding, and refreshing. Our role is to listen and observe to know what our people need, to seek God consistently and obey when He tells us to act. 

Reflect:

• How are you preparing yourself to lead the people in your group this week? 
• What are some ways you’ve seen God provide for you, guide you, and refresh you? 
• What are some ways your group members need God’s provision, guidance, and refreshing?