Looking for Good Shepherds (Thoughts from Dad)

Last updated on: December 7, 2018 at 5:22 am by John Mark N. Reynolds

Looking for Good Shepherds (Thoughts from Dad) 2018-12-06T17:41:38-04:00 John Mark N. Reynolds

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

My Dad has a pastor’s heart. He set a high standard for ministry and he has written some thoughts on the need for good shepherds. He was and is a good shepherd.

Here are his thoughts:

The people of God are called ‘the salt of the earth’, lights in a dark world, the Body of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the advance of His Church.

Another description that refers to God’s people in both the Old and New Testaments is: we are sheep. And sheep need a shepherd. Sheep are prone to wander off, to be attacked by wolves and devoured. We need a shepherd. God is known as the Shepherd of Israel, and gave them priests, prophets and kings to serve as His instruments, to look after His sheep. His anger is loosed upon false shepherds who serve themselves instead of caring for His sheep.

Jesus comes as THE GOOD SHEPHERD. He describes in John 10 the attributes of a good shepherd. He is one who loves the sheep, and cares for them, even to the point of laying down his life for them.

In setting in order His Church, the first function mentioned is the office of Pastor. Early pastors of an area were called bishop,or overseer.

Overseers of what?

His flock, His Church.

There are many needs today among God’s sheep, but I believe the greatest need is for God to raise up pastors. The sheep at our present time have been disappointed in their shepherds. This is true in all branches of Christianity. Shepherds too often have served themselves, not been holy, and have abused little lambs. They have perverted the teachings of Holy Scripture and desired to participate in the spirit of this age.

I was in a large ecumenical gathering after a scandal had been revealed that hurt many of God’s sheep. At that meeting a highly respected priest addressed the large gathering and, I believe, spoke prophetically, expressing the Good Shepherd’s anger at what was being done to His sheep, and declaring that He would raise up shepherds after His heart. That need is even greater now.

The Church has many needs. We need administrators, but the Church is not merely a business that needs to be run efficiently. The Church needs buildings, and the Lord in not against beautiful sheepfolds, but He is more interested in the sheep inside. We need good liturgists, and proper worship is important, but the Lord is more concerned about feeding the sheep and caring for the lambs than perfect liturgy.

We need the teaching of sound doctrine. I remember the Lord dealing with me after a person had addressed the flock I was pastoring. I felt He said to me, ‘you let my people eat poison.’

Sound theology is very important, but having every doctrine letter perfect is not as important as tending the hurting sheep. We need good preachers who can articulate well the message of Christ. But the greater need is for men to embody the Word in their very being. If that is the case, the message will be communicated even through stammering lips.The sheep will know when their shepherd loves them and will feel safe under his care. They will learn the that the Good Shepard knows them and loves them. Lambs will grow, the ewes and rams will flourish, and the message of the Kingdom will go forth.

One may receive a fine seminary education, but being a good shepherd is not so much a matter of the head as the heart. I have known men who were limited in formal training, were not great speakers, but were good pastors because they loved God’s sheep.

Lord, raise up good shepherds to care for Your flock.

Amen

———————————-

Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

Spiritual Reflections

Previous Post

December 6, 2018

An Unexpected Journey: Michael Ward and Answering a Question

Next Post

December 8, 2018 Mary was born to get the Christmas we got, because she consented. Thank you, Mary.

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Apologetics Art Culture Education On Books On Education Philosophy Politics Pop Culture Spiritual Reflections Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2026 September 2026 August 2026 July 2026 July 2025 June 2025 September 2024 July 2024 June 2024 December 2023 June 2023 September 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What is the last book of the Bible?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Jude Malachi Hebrews Revelation

Books by This Author John Mark Reynolds

See All Titles »