After church several people expressed interest in purchasing The Way of the Shepherd. According to Amazon it is soon to be released in paperback but they still have hardback copies available. Click here for more details. It appears my brother's "sheep dung" comments were as accurate as they were humorous. I noticed a number of the more senior members commented on that fact. Perhaps the older we get, and the more we are involved in relationships with people we love, the more we realize how truly messy life can be.
I'm so thankful that God, in his wisdom, saw fit to equip his church with men who can lovingly shepherd the flock. The part of Ezekiel I choose not to read this morning (for the sake of time) talks about the strong sheep taking advantage of the weak. The text mentions these insensitive, abusive sheep eating their fill and then trampling the pasture with their feet (making the grass uneatable) and muddying the water after having their fill of drink. Ezekiel continues, "Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, I will save my flock and they will no longer be plundered." (Ezekiel 34:21-22). Perhaps the most unenviable task of congregational shepherds is recognizing the bullies in a congregation and not allowing them to abuse people.
The goal of congregational shepherds is to see the flock grow strong in their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ their Lord. For that to happen the flock must have good solid Bible teaching, protection from abuse, and guidance in practical ways of living the life of a disciple. An awesome task, but God equips his people with everything they need to accomplish his will. This includes godly shepherds. May He bless us as we select these men.
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