Finding and Flourishing in Your Place in the ChurchParaugs

RELATING WITH THE CHIEF SHEPHERD

The Church is first likened to a sheepfold, and then an army. The sheepfold represents love and care while the army teaches responsibility. Let us consider how to relate to the Chief Shepherd. Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd; the Bishop and Shepherd of our souls (1 Pet. 2:25). In every true church, the Chief Shepherd takes the pre-eminence. Anyone who seeks to put himself in a place of greater relevance and pre-eminence than Jesus is a thief and a robber (Joh. 10:1).

Today’s passage shows us five kinds of relationships every believer should have with the Chief Shepherd, namely:

1. INTIMACY AND KNOWING: He wants you to learn from Him and know Him intimately (Mat. 11:27-29). The priority of God in saving you is that you may have a living relationship with Him.

2. LEADERSHIP: He wants to lead you into His highest purpose for your life and He will accomplish this many times through your pastor.

3. FEEDING THE FLOCK: God is particular about how His children turn out and He will always give you shepherds after His heart that will feed you with knowledge and understanding (Jer. 3:15).

4. HEARING: The written word of God introduces you to the Living Word and you must prioritize God’s word to have your spiritual ears attuned to the Lord’s voice.

5. ASSIGNMENT: Your salvation and church membership should lead you to take up Kingdom responsibility assigned to you by your pastor.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I receive grace to relate properly with You as my Chief Shepherd, that I may know You the more this year in Jesus’ name. Amen!