“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:10)
We are SO thankful for the 81 pastor/shepherds and dozens of associate pastors we have who serve so faithfully all across the Chicago Central District each and every week. These devotional thoughts are offered to celebrate what the Bible says about the good shepherds we have!
1. The direction of the sheep is dependent on the presence of the shepherd. "You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'" (Mark 14:27)
2. Jesus saw the crowds of people who needed to live fulfilled lives as sheep who needed to be taught. “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” (Mark 6:34)
3. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd; we are His under-shepherds. “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3)
4. A good shepherd is willing to lay down their life for their sheep. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:10)
5. A good shepherd is committed to their sheep and does not abandon them. “The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.” (John 10:11)
6. A good shepherd knows his sheep and his sheep know him. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (John 10:14)
7. A good shepherd is always looking for stray sheep. “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also.” (John 10:16)
8. Every sheep has gone astray and must be led back to God. “We all, like sheep, have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way.” (Isaiah 53:6)
9. The good shepherd cannot bear the thought of losing any of his sheep. He is not so concerned with the numbers, even though he counts them regularly. Each individual within the flock matters to him. (Luke 15:3-7; Matthew 18:12-14)
10. The shepherd carries their sheep close to their heart. “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:11)
Also, thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future:
Mobilizing everyone in unity
Blessing your community
Bringing people to Jesus
Becoming Christlike disciples
Also, thanks for serving so well on the Chicago Central District. Let’s continue to be Christ in Action. You are loved.
Larry McKain, Superintendent
Chicago Central District
Church of the Nazarene