shepherding the shepherd
from PreachingToday.com
Prodigies
In writing to Christians facing “trials of many kinds,” James explains God’s generous offer to supply wisdom upon request, enabling us to persevere till we become “mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Everybody must persevere through trials, and some are better for it, but only Christians can persevere shaped by the unique wisdom of God.
Trial Guides
Most of the Christians we serve would love to rejoice in trials, but they can’t just turn on the joy of the Lord whenever they’re afraid, attacked, or grieving. They’d like to persevere, to become mature and complete, but they’re not sure how that happens. It’s like seeing the porchlight on a hillside across a dark, deep ravine without knowing how to find the trail to get there. So James tells them the way.
‘The Slow Work of God’
In a season long ago, when I was deeply worried about a loved one’s future, a friend sent me this by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: “Above all, trust in the slow work of God.” That counsel comes back to me from time to time, like a whisper from behind a door, “Psst. This is the slow work of God.” It is also a timely word now, at the turning of the year.
Wisdom from Other Shepherds
Rebanks’ three rules for shepherds:
First rule of shepherding: it’s not about you, it’s about the sheep and the land. Second rule: you can’t win sometimes. Third rule: shut up, and go and do the work.
International Shepherd Month
I may sound presumptuous but I’m thinking of declaring December as International Shepherd Month. I don’t mean to detract any attention from the Lord’s birth, of course, but it seems that we pastors ought to take advantage of all the attention shepherds are getting this time of year.
‘I Thank the Father for You’
I thank God for tired pastors who have borne the battle in the heat of the day and have the wounds to show for it, and for pastors who not only fought off wolves but who were also stampeded by their own sheep. I thank him, too, for young pastors who will explore Scripture, grace, and shepherding for years to come, and for so many pastors who come to their flocks with fresh joy and Scripture-based clarity.