Ezekiel illustrates spiritual...
Illustration
Object:
Ezekiel illustrates spiritual leaders as shepherds leading sheep. It is an agrarian illustration that people in his day would readily understand. Not so in our Western culture. Even growing up as a city boy myself, I think I know the one-word job description of a shepherd... attentiveness. The shepherd is to be attentive to the needs of the sheep... anytime or anyplace.
A shepherd is attentive to the need of prayer for his/her sheep. Henri Nouwen in The Living Reminder wrote, "We have fallen into the temptation of separating ministry from spirituality, service from prayer." He continues the thought that we often think that there is too much to do and that prayer is a luxury. He writes, "But to think this way is harmful... service and prayer can never be separated."
A shepherd is attentive to the need of holiness in the lives of his/her sheep. Purity of heart... the essence of holiness... must be our desire. Living life with a clean outlook and lifestyle drives us to our knees and to our Savior!
A shepherd is attentive to the need of power in the lives of his/her sheep. Not the spectacular power of "See what I can do," but the power to live life transformed by the Spirit of God. This power gives us freedom from being destroyed by Satan by being spiritually victorious over Satan, sin, and hell. The power to be people of justice... sharing with others, the power to be people embracing pain and suffering even when it comes our way.
As shepherds we need to ask God to help us give good gifts to our people through our life and ministry, this day and always!
A shepherd is attentive to the need of prayer for his/her sheep. Henri Nouwen in The Living Reminder wrote, "We have fallen into the temptation of separating ministry from spirituality, service from prayer." He continues the thought that we often think that there is too much to do and that prayer is a luxury. He writes, "But to think this way is harmful... service and prayer can never be separated."
A shepherd is attentive to the need of holiness in the lives of his/her sheep. Purity of heart... the essence of holiness... must be our desire. Living life with a clean outlook and lifestyle drives us to our knees and to our Savior!
A shepherd is attentive to the need of power in the lives of his/her sheep. Not the spectacular power of "See what I can do," but the power to live life transformed by the Spirit of God. This power gives us freedom from being destroyed by Satan by being spiritually victorious over Satan, sin, and hell. The power to be people of justice... sharing with others, the power to be people embracing pain and suffering even when it comes our way.
As shepherds we need to ask God to help us give good gifts to our people through our life and ministry, this day and always!
