Shepherding. I own Barbados Black Bellied Sheep. They depend on me for their needs, and they let me know. They know my voice on hearing and my appearance on sight. In fact, they have extremely keen eyesight. They watch me through the windows of my house from an acre away. For instance, they clearly signal me when it's time to eat. God is teaching me what it means to be a shepherd.
The sheep are also extremely timid. I do not startle my sheep. If startled, I have seen them jump a six-foot fence in a long glide like a gazelle. If they escape my fences, I would probably never get them back because of their shyness. As a result, I must be careful to be very gentle around them. No, I do not startle them, I'm always careful to speak softly to them and to protect them. God knows what it means to be a shepherd.
The Sovereign Lord declares, "I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong (the butt heads) I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice" (Ezk. 34:15-16 NIV).
Correction Before Judgment. "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" (James 2:12-13 NIV). Jesus shows this grace of shepherding when he tells us how we are to pastor the delinquent members of his flock in the church.
Does not Shakespeare's words parallel that last line? Let's see if I can remember. PORTIA: "The quality of mercy is not strain'd, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown...." (From Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, scene 1, 1596).
There are, at least, two steps of correction which must precede judgment, Jesus teaches. In today's poor supervision practices, I observe these two steps are frequently ignored. (I) "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. (II) "But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' (III) "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."
The instruction of Jesus works just as well in business management, political and legal authority, church discipline, or family headship."I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Matt 18: 15-18 NIV). Notice, this quote refers in context to discipline, not to doctrines.
The sheep are also extremely timid. I do not startle my sheep. If startled, I have seen them jump a six-foot fence in a long glide like a gazelle. If they escape my fences, I would probably never get them back because of their shyness. As a result, I must be careful to be very gentle around them. No, I do not startle them, I'm always careful to speak softly to them and to protect them. God knows what it means to be a shepherd.
The Sovereign Lord declares, "I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong (the butt heads) I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice" (Ezk. 34:15-16 NIV).
Correction Before Judgment. "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" (James 2:12-13 NIV). Jesus shows this grace of shepherding when he tells us how we are to pastor the delinquent members of his flock in the church.
Does not Shakespeare's words parallel that last line? Let's see if I can remember. PORTIA: "The quality of mercy is not strain'd, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown...." (From Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, scene 1, 1596).
There are, at least, two steps of correction which must precede judgment, Jesus teaches. In today's poor supervision practices, I observe these two steps are frequently ignored. (I) "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. (II) "But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' (III) "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."
The instruction of Jesus works just as well in business management, political and legal authority, church discipline, or family headship."I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Matt 18: 15-18 NIV). Notice, this quote refers in context to discipline, not to doctrines.
About the Author:
Bill Hunt is a Christian writer, career administrator, and educator. Follow his thought-provoking true stories at Corner Retreat.Corner Retreat For your marketing contact Article Submission Express 2.0. Article Submission Express 2.0
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