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 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.
Let’s not forget to stretch out helping hands to them in every way possible. Also, pray the Lord of harvest for more labourers in the vineyard. As for the fields, they are white but the workers remain few. Maybe you should ask God to help you be a shepherd too.
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