KEY SCRIPTURE: John 10:11 KJV” I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

The Lord Jesus once again gives the criterion for a good shepherd. He says the good shepherd lays his life down for the sheep. Pastors are also shepherds and must take the clue from the master of all shepherds. Why would the pastor not secure his life, but rather give it up for the sheep? The purpose of the call of the pastor is fruitfulness. Fruitfulness means the multiplication or having a very large number of sheep. It is a life principle that, whatever you serve, grows, and that which you dominate or you act as a boss over, diminishes. John 15:8 KJV “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so, shall ye be my disciples.”

The foregoing scripture says it all. God is very fruitful. Fruitfulness glorifies Him and it also proves that He raised us. Apostle Paul put the idea of the shepherd giving his life for the sheep in the following way.1Co 9:19 KJV “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” He said I lose my liberties and satisfaction so I could satisfy the sheep and win them. I once saw a shepherd fighting the sheep he had won into the church. I concluded that this one has no spiritual sense. How would you fight the sheep that you are supposed to die for? Many shepherds because of self-centeredness are grieving the heart of the Father through their actions.

Dear shepherd your calling is to lose your freedom, and pleasures in order to make the sheep rather satisfied. Let’s listen to the advice of apostle Peter.1Pet 5:2 KJV “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind”; Peter’s advice as the Lord also asked him to do, when he resurrected and appeared to His disciples at the seaside, He expressed that, love for Him, meant, the feeding of the sheep and the lambs( John 21:15 -18)  God desires growth and fruitfulness and so, you as a shepherd of the flock of God must do all you can to be fruitful.

CONFESSION

As the Lord gave His life for the sheep, so do I likewise sacrifice my life to see the sheep grow and multiply. I fast, agonise in prayer, sacrifice my money, and feed the sheep, so they would eventually grow, bringing glory to God.

FURTHER STUDIES

John 15:13 KJV” Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

1Pe 5:3 KJV” Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”