KEEPING SHEEP

Today's reading: Ezekiel 31-36

"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds, the leaders of Israel. Give them this message from the Sovereign Lord: Destruction is certain for you shepherds who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. Shouldn't shepherds feed their sheep? You drink the milk, wear the wool, and butcher the best animals, but you let your flocks starve. You have not taken care of the weak. You have not tended the sick or bound up the broken bones. You have not gone looking for those who have wandered away and are lost. Instead, you have ruled them with force and cruelty. So my sheep have been scattered without a shepherd. They are easy prey for wild animals. They have wandered through the mountains and hills, across the face of the earth ,yet no one has gone to search for them." Ezekiel 34:2-6 NLT

Did you know we are all, as God's chosen, called to be shepherds?

Not just the pastors or the deacons. Not merely the Sunday School teachers and prayer group leaders.

As sheep that have been cared for by the Good Shepherd, we are placed in a position to shepherd others.

Lost and wandering sheep.

Sick and hurting sheep.

Errant and willful sheep.

Old and young sheep.

Sheep that don't want to be rescued and sheep that don't know they are lost.

Through shepherding we are given the opportunity to pour out what God has poured into us.

We are provided enough for ourselves and plenty to share.

Are you shepherding a few sheep? Does your sphere of influence include some sheep in need of kind words, biblical counsel, wisdom or godly advice?

Look for sheep throughout your day!