“Jesus said, I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” -John 10: 9, 10b
My guess is that few of us know anyone who actually works as a shepherd. The closest we may know of “shepherding people” are friends or relatives who work and make their living in rural farming communities. Not unlike the shepherds of the Bible, today’s farmers continue to work hard, often under challenging circumstances to tend the important commodities that feed and sustain the greater society.
There are many images and stories of shepherds in the Bible. God is first described as the shepherd of the people, tending to them with care (Isaiah 40). Abel is the first shepherd mentioned in Scripture. Jacob worked as a shepherd for Laban (Genesis 30). Moses tended sheep before leading Israel (Exodus 3). And of course, David, called from tending his father’s sheep to shepherd the nation of Israel. Thus, the term “shepherd” is used interchangeably with king or leader throughout the Old Testament as “One who tends, protects and guides.”
Shepherding in its most basic form requires a unique strength; the risk of withstanding the elements, maintaining order in the flock, and not losing any in their care. Shepherds stayed with their flocks day and night, protecting them from predators, guiding them to water and pasture. A good shepherd uniting their flock sets the stage for Jesus’ “Good Shepherd” imagery in the New Testament. And of course, Jesus surrendering his life on the cross out of simple and pure love is the ultimate act of shepherding.
When a shepherd’s work is done well, those in their care feel safe and have the ability to thrive abundantly. The early church became a safe, unified community focused on teaching the way of Jesus, enjoying fellowship, breaking bread, and sharing their abundance with others. Yes, there is some sacrifice at times, a willingness to shepherd others toward the life of loving God and experiencing God’s abundant grace. As a church, we continue to strive to share this mission, sharing our blessings to meet needs of others with joy. The Good Shepherd “knows your name” and goes before you, ensuring the path is safe and God’s saving promise is real.
Pastor Brian Gutzmann