"Start a fire in my soul, fan the flame, and make it whole, so there's no doubt or denying. Let it burn so brightly that everyone around can see that it's You, that it's You that we need! Start a fire in me!...We carry the news that You have come to save! Only You can save!...Start a fire in me!" God gave us His Spirit so that He is with us always. Since He is with us, He will guide us and help us to share His Word!
The beginning Scripture that Maxwell presents is Psalm 23:1-3: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake." (NIV) In Psalm 23, David paints a very vivid picture of how God leads us!
In the Bible, the term "shepherd" denotes a leader. The shepherd's rod stands for correction and his staff represents direction. (Maxwell)
John Maxwell points out ten functions that Jesus, our Shepherd, performs. I have also provided Scripture, along with references, to back up the claims. He:
Confidently leads (Psalm 23:3)
"He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake." (NIV)
Provides necessities (Matthew 6:31-33)
"'So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.'" (NIV)
Feeds and anoints (Psalm 23:5)
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." (NIV)
Guides and directs (Psalm 31:3)
"Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of Your Name lead and guide me." (NIV)
Loves unconditionally (Romans 8:37-39)
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NIV)
Renews and restores (Psalm 23:3)
"He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake." (NIV)
Gives rest (Matthew 11:28)
"'Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (NIV)
Corrects and comforts (Proverbs 3:11-12, Philippians 4:6-7)
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in." (NIV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guiard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV)
Protects from harm (Psalm 121:7-8)
"The Lord will keep you from all harm--He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." (NIV)
Furnishes permanent shelter (John 14:2-3)
"'In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.'"
As leaders, we can take on some of these functions. God can give us the ability to pass along confidence, provision, guidance, renwal, comfort, correction, and, above all, love. We can pass these on to others and show them Christ through us!
The reflection question tonight asks, "In what ways do you lead as a shepherd?" What areas listed above do you utilize in your leadership? We should use Christ, the Ultimate Leader, as our model in our leadership! He is perfect, so there is no way that we can go wrong following His example! Ask God to help you lead like Him. Then, follow His direction!
God bless you!
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