I want to introduce a new series entitled "The Pastor's heart" primarily we will be looking at John chapter 10 in depth, and one of the most profound 'I am' statements of Jesus; "I am the good shepherd" John 10:11 is embedded in this portion. As we know with all metaphor, limitations apply. But in relation to how the Savior relates to his church he chose to reveal through the lens of scripture the relationship between sheep & a shepherd. We will try not to cross the boundaries of what scripture reveals here, but from chapter 10 verse 1 to 30 we have much to consider. There are many other examples Jesus uses as to who he is, and how he relates with us, and us with him - each of them provide a facet or composite revelation of the nature of this unique & astounding relationship. I have chosen to highlight this particular understanding because it is the foundation of Pastoral ministry, both lay & ordained, paid or volunteer - and is the priority need within the church, historically, present & future; and especially as it concerns our small groups within our local congregation.
Throughout the scriptures God has used many 'known' and contemporary examples of who he is and how he wished to be understood by the people he was communicating with. The 'known' to reveal the 'unknown' What is God like? How does he feel & think towards us? can we know him? can we have relationship with him? what form will that relationship take? Through the Prophets God was in constant communication with his people unfolding, revealing, defining and redefining himself. In the person of his Son, he reveals himself and makes complete the demonstration of his nature in bodily form.
The first mention of God as a shepherd I find in Gen 49:24
"But his bow remained in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel)"
Another allusion to this is found in Numbers 27:17
"who may go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be like sheep which have no shepherd."
Again in 2 Sam 5:2 (See also 2 Sam 7:7 - the same sense applies)
"Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the LORD said to you, 'You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.'"
1 Kings 22:17 says this:
Then he said, "I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, 'These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.'"
From the Psalms:
"A Psalm of David. THE LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Ps 23:1
"Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, And bear them up forever." Ps 28:9"A Contemplation of asaph. O GOD, why have You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?" Ps 74:1
"But He made His own people go forth like sheep, And guided them in the wilderness like a flock;" Ps 78:52
"From following the ewes that had young He brought him, To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance." Ps 78:71
"So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, Will give You thanks forever; We will show forth Your praise to all generations." Ps 79:13
"To the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lilies." A Testimony of asaph. A Psalm. GIVE ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!" Ps 80:1
"For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice:" Ps 95:7
"Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture." Ps 100:3
'It is clear that this shepherping paradigm was to be the primary way God wanted to relate to his people; and the primary way God wanted his people to think about themselves.'
Join me next week for Part one. "I hear voices!" John 10:1-6
Ewe all keep safe till then!
Ps Rhett.
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