The Flock

In the AJC last week, 'Dear Abby' had a headline that read "Pastor must meet flock before he can shepherd it." You can read the article online here (it's from the Kansas City but it's the same article). While I can't comment on the article that prompted this one, I think this article is just fine. It's good stuff, and worth a read. But what got me thinking is the title and the whole concept of a pastor as shepherd.

Jesus said in John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd" (read that section of John 10 here). He goes on to say in verse 16 "I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my void, and there will be one flock with one shepherd."

I want to help them follow Jesus, and for all people to be part of that one flock. His flock. In order to do that I'm called to lead this community. Indeed, right now I have to lead it in order for it to become what God intends (someday someone else will lead it, but for right now it's me). I welcome that and am excited about that. I'm also having the time of my life. But at the same time, I am a sheep too. I follow Jesus. I get lost in the woods. I get sheared, I worry about getting turned into mutton, I deal with all the same stuff other sheep do.

So I try not to think of myself as a shepherd. Jesus is the shepherd. The way I see it, I'm just a sheep, and all of us sheep have unique talents and gifts. Mine lie in helping others follow the shepherd, but I am not the shepherd. I'm one blessed sheep who knows the Good Shepherd, and I'm trying to help the other sheep follow him.

Baa.