All humans play the role of a shepherd. As parents, shepherding the children; in the workplace, shepherding the employees; leaders shepherding the followers…so on. However, there is always a paucity of good, wise shepherds. The Nation of Israel also lacked knowledgeable leaders. Hence, God promised: “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15)
Teach: Godly shepherds will teach the Truth, the Word of God. Parents are required to teach their children the Law when they lie down, sit, stand, and go. (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) The Word of God should be taught informally, non-formally, and formally. When Passover is celebrated, the parents are expected to teach informally to their children. The same message has to be communicated through multiple formats. The truth could be memorised, sung as a song, meditated on, noted down, and always applied in practical life.
Train: Teaching should saturate the mind with the truths of the scripture. Then the mind is renewed. A renewed-minded person will not follow the trends and traditions of the world, but be a transformed man of God with a biblical worldview. The mind needs training. Most of the time, the mind is filled with the ideas of the world, culture, and media influence. Hence, it is full like a smartphone that displays the message: Memory full. Daily opinions, views, ideas, and thoughts that contradict the Scripture should be deleted, but filled with biblical truths. Only such a person could discern the good, pleasant, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)
Feed: Godly shepherds feed the flock with love, humility, care, and share. In contrast, the worldly shepherds fill people with pride, hatred, and a superiority complex. Where Godly shepherds are, there would be shalom, purpose, meaning, and a sense of belonging.
Lead: Godly shepherds lead the sheep beside still waters, green pastures, and in the righteous path. Only the righteous path leads to the destination determined by God. Many paths seem to be good, but they lead to death. (Proverbs 14:12)
Am I a shepherd with God’s heart?