The Shepherd-Leader

UV 1233/10,000 The Shepherd-Leader
And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 23 v 4
The word “ shepherd” is a metaphor for mentor or teacher or guide. The Lord will anoint leaders who will feed His people with understanding and knowledge unto salvation. Leaders are themselves to be people with both understanding and knowledge. It is not the understanding and knowledge that comes from study of books but it is the understanding and knowledge that the Lord in His role as Teacher imparts to us. It is the understanding and knowledge that will not puff us up with pride but make us bow with humility. It is the understanding and knowledge of the Word of God. It is the understanding and knowledge of the Kingdom of God that gives us eternal life. The Shepherd-leader will know what is the need of the people. He will be sensitive. He or she will know how to satisfy that need. The Shepherd-leader will be committed to the spiritual growth of the people and take every step that lies with him towards that end.

Every shepherd in this world cares and tends his sheep with an intention to exploit the sheep for his own benefit by either shearing the wool or killing the sheep for its meat. But Jesus is the only good shepherd who was prepared ahead of time to give his own life for the sake of the sheep. Today we are also called to shepherd-leaders in the same mould as Jesus who came to serve and not to be served, to give his life as a ransom for many. A shepherd-leader is one who focuses on feeding the people with spiritual truths and trains them to walk in righteous ways and paths. The Shepherd-leader prays and intercedes for the people he is leading or caring for.

When people are fed with understanding and knowledge of the Word of God or spiritual truths, they are liberated from the bondage of sin and shortcoming. They are liberated from the fear of death and of their mortal enemies. They are filled with the personal knowledge of God their Saviour or Redeemer. It is redemptive knowledge and understanding as against the non-redemptive knowledge and understanding the world imparts. They will be blessed or fulfilled by the action or grace of God and not by their own deeds. They will not be frustrated, anxious, depressed or disappointed. Their expectations will be more than fulfilled. They will be joyful and thankful to the Lord. They will be found lacking in nothing that they need and in nothing that is good. Trust in the promises of God fulfills their every need and legitimate desire. Before I started writing this uni-verse series of meditations, the Lord told me that my name was not yet written in the Shepherd’s Book though it was written in the Book of the Living. But once, I started writing and sharing it daily, the Lord confirmed that it is now written in the Shepherd’s Book.

Prateep V Philip