SCRIPTURES ABOUT SHEPHERDING

These Scriptures go with the article, BUILDING A HOME TO HONOR THE NAME OF THE LORD.

FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION

Shepherding is spoken about in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation (Genesis 4:2--Revelation 7:17).

WOE TO US IF WE LEAVE OUR FLOCK

As a shepherdess, God does not want us to leave our flock. A true shepherd always stays with his flock.

Ezekiel 34:2 says, "Woe to the shepherds... that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?"

Zechariah 11:17 says, "Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock!"

WHAT A WONDERFUL SHEPHERD

God is our MIGHTY Shepherd (Genesis 49:24).

God is our PERSONAL the Shepherd (Psalm 23:1).

God is our LEADING Shepherd (Psalm 80:1 and Isaiah 40:11).

God is our FEEDING Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11).

God is our GATHERING Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11 and Jeremiah 31:10).

God is our PROTECTING Shepherd (Jeremiah 31:10--"shamar" meaning to hedge about, to guard, to protect, to preserve).

God is our SEEKING Shepherd (Ezekiel 34:12 and Luke 15:1-7).

Jesus is our GOOD Shepherd (John 10:11, 14).

Jesus is our GREAT Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20).

Jesus is our CHIEF Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).

OUR SHEPHERD LEADS US TO GREEN, GOOD, AND FAT PASTURE

Psalm 23:2; Ezekiel 34:14-15 and Revelation 7:17

A SHEPHERD DOES NOT HAVE ONLY ONE OR TWO SHEEP, HE HAS A FLOCK

God wants us to have a vision for a "flock" too.

Psalm 77:20; 80:1; 107:41-43; Proverbs 27:23; Isaiah 40:11; 63:11; Jeremiah 13:20, 23:1-3; 31:10 Ezekiel 34:2-3, 6, 15, 22, 31; 36:37-38; Micah 7:14; Zechariah 9:16; 10:3; Matthew 26:31; Luke 12:32; Acts 20:28-29 and 1 Peter 5:2-3.

GOD CALLS US "MY FLOCK."

Psalm 74:1; 79:13; 95;7; 100:5; Jeremiah 23:2-3; 50:6; Ezekiel 34:6, 8, 15, 17, 19, 22 and 31.

GOD ALSO CALLS US HIS...

Beautiful flock (Jeremiah 13:20).

Holy flock (Ezekiel 36:38).

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SHEPHERD YOUR LITTLE FLOCK?

From the Scriptures and the Hebrew meanings of the word "shepherd" we find that it includes all the following tender and powerful ministries:

Befriending, the Hebrew word "shepherd" means "to be a friend to, a companion, to keep company with, to be intimate" (John 10:3, 14 ).

Binding and bandaging up the hurt and broken (Ezekiel 34:16).

Bravely fighting off all enemies (1 Samuel 17:34-37).

Bringing back the straying and wandering ones (Ezekiel 24:16).

Carrying the lambs close to your heart (Psalm 28:9 and Isaiah 40:11 NET). "To carry" means “to lift up, to carry, to support.” Check out Deuteronomy 1:31; 32:11; 33:27; Isaiah 46:3-4; 63:9-10; and Hosea 11:3. Deuteronomy 33:27 NCV says, "His arms will hold you up forever."

Comforting (Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 40:11).

Eliminating fear in the dark and anxious times (Psalm 23:4; 78:53 and Jeremiah 23:4).

Encouraging the weary (Ezekiel 34:4).

Feeding (Genesis 48:15;1 Samuel 17:15; 2 Samuel 5:2; 1 Chronicles 11:2; 17:6; Psalm 23:5; 28:9; 37:3; 78:71-72; Proverbs 10:21; Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 3:15; 23:4; 50:19; Ezekiel 34:2, 8; 14-16, 23; Micah 5:4; 7:14; Zephaniah 3:13; Acts 20:28 and1 Peter 5:2).

Gathering (Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 23:3; 31:10; and Ezekiel 34:13).

Gently leading, (Genesis 33:13-14 and Isaiah 40:11).

Guarding and watching over the flock (1 Samuel 17:34; Jeremiah 31:10 and John 10:7-10).

Guiding your flock on the "right track" (Psalm 23:3; 78:52-53).

Healing the sickly (Ezekiel 34:16).

Increasing the flock (Jeremiah 23:3; Ezekiel 36:38--the shepherd always wants to increase his flock).

Keeping them safe (Psalm 23:2; Jeremiah 33:12; Ezekiel 34:22, 25 and 27-29).

Leading to rest and rich green pastures (Psalm 23:2-3; 77:20; 78:52-53; 80:1; Isaiah 49:10; 63:11-14; Jeremiah 31:9; and John 10:3-4).

Nourishing (Ezekiel 34:16).

Persevering until you find the lost (Luke 15:1-7).

Preparing a table (Psalm 23:5).

Protecting (1 Samuel 17:34-37).

Providing (Psalm 23:1, 5 and Jeremiah 23:4).

Rescuing when they turn to by-paths (Ezekiel 34:16).

Restoring--reviving, renewing, and refreshing (Psalm 23:3).

Ruling with wisdom and discretion (1 Chronicles 11:2; Matthew 2:6; Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:2-3).

Sacrificing and laying down my life for the flock (John 10:11, 15).

Saving your flock (Ezekiel 34:22 and Zechariah 9:16).

Searching and seeking the lost ones (Ezekiel 34:11-12, 16 and Luke 15:3-7).

Strengthening the weak (Ezekiel 34:16).

Tenderly folding your flock (John 21:15-17).

What an amazing mission you have!

 

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL
www.aboverubies.org