Where We Shepherd

Where We Shepherd

 

The dictionary defines shepherd or sheepherder, is a person who tends, feeds, or guards flocks of sheep.

Matthew 18:12-14

12   What do you think?   If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, won't he leave the 99 on the hillside and go and search for the stray?   13   And if he finds it, I assure you: He rejoices over that sheep   more than over the 99 that did not go astray. 14   In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones perish.

It is all well and good to shepherd the flock gathered in the church, but shouldn’t we reach out and find the lost.  Whether Christians who have not kept up with God’s words, someone who is down and out, or anyone else who is lost; we see them every day but we fail to make an effort to lead them back to the fold.  Sometimes all we need to do is offer a warm smile and coffee.

I am reminded of the NYPD, who was on counterterrorism duty in Times Square, and saw an older homeless man without shoes sitting on 42nd Street. It was freezing out, and you could see the blisters on the man's feet.  The officer left and then returned with a pair of $100 boots he bought at a nearby Skechers store.  He didn’t do it for notoriety, he simply said: “'I have these size 12 boots for you, they are all-weather. Let's put them on and take care of you.” 

What a selfless thing to do.  We need to take a lesson from that officer. I am not implying that you go out and buy boots for everyone, but get a cup of coffee to one who is cold.  Give a homeless man a ride to the nearest shelter.  Bring nonperishables to your local pantry. Where it is practical, witness to ones that need and want it.

1 Peter 5: 5 NIV In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”