Today’s Devotion
Topic: Pray For The Shepherds!
Text: Matthew 26: 31
Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” Amen.
A Shepherd is a person who has been given the special responsibility of catering for sheep. A number of characteristics and factors come together to make one a good shepherd. These make the shepherd stand out in his/her service.
Among other things, a good shepherd shows compassion to the flock; feeds them with good food; directs, disciplines, relates with and protects the flock against predators.
When a shepherd carries these duties out to the latter, he/she qualifies to be described as a good shepherd.
While on earth, Jesus served as a Shepherd over a large flock which included the disciples. He later charged His disciples to be good shepherds to others in order to show they really loved Him (John 21: 15- 17 ).
In our dispensation, the mantle of “shepherding” has fallen on many men and women who serve as church leaders, Pastors, Apostles, Overseers, Fathers, Mothers, Mentors, Counsellors etc. They are to replicate what Christ did for His flock by following His example.
Jesus, however, predicted that the quickest way the devil seeks to destroy the body of Christ (the Church), is by striking the shepherds or leaders. If he succeeds, the members of the body of Christ will be left without guidance and covering. Each sheep would then have to fend for itself; thus becoming a vulnerable prey to the devil.
What must we do then for the safety of our shepherds as believers? We must join hands in prayer for our leaders in order to keep them strong in the power of the Holy Spirit. The well-being of these leaders – physically and spiritually – has a corresponding effect on each sheep and the body of Christ as a whole.
Begin to pray for every shepherd you know. Mention their names and ask that God equips them for the sake of His Church. Also, pray for their spouses, family and homes as well. Those very close to them need God’s protection too. Lest they be attacked by the enemy, or used by the same, to frustrate or destroy the life of the shepherd.
As we intercede for them everyday, let us please not forget to stretch out helping hands to them in every way possible. God can use your heart to meet their need. Finally, pray the Lord of harvest for more labourers in the vineyard. For the fields remain white, but the workers are very few. May be you should ask God to help you become a shepherd too. Many lives can be won and changed for our Jesus if only you avail yourself for His use. Why wait any further? See you at church.
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