Bible Verse of the Day Sunday October 30th, 2022

 1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Shepherds and their sheep have had a critical function in God's Holy Word. The shepherd must remain vigilant in safeguarding their flock from any outside source that might bring harm to the sheep. The shepherd must always be watchful because some of the sheep in their care could wander off and cause others to follow them into danger blindly. The Shepard must always put the needs and requirements of the flock before their desires or cravings. The Shepard must always be attentive and conscientious to seek out green and flourishing pastures for the herd to feed on and quiet and still waters where they might satisfy their thirst for security and serenity. The shepherd must always safeguard every one of the sheep under their protection from marauding and plundering slayers and maintain a solid and viable defensive haven for their flock.

 

There were many shepherds of God's people in the Old Testament; Moses and Abraham both were shepherds who put their flocks' needs before their own. David, who began his life as a young shepherd boy in the fields, later proclaimed, "The Lord is my Shepard" (Psalm 23) and in his life, became the shepherd of God's people Israel, as their King. Likewise, through David's genealogical line, our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the "good shepherd that lays down his life for his sheep" (John 10:11).

 

 Jesus is not only a good shepherd, but He is the "good shepherd" because He is distinctive and inimitable (Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25). He is the "Chief Shepherd" as described in the text verse of this writing (1 Peter 5:4). Shepherds perform a significant and prominent position in the New Testament as well. It is of monumental significance that God did not announce the birth of the King of the world, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords to the elite but simple and humble shepherds as they watched over their flocks at night. Christ Jesus is the good shepherd that came to earth to give His life for His flock. He is the good shepherd that knows His flock, and in whom His flock knows and follows him (John 10:27).  

 

 Jesus confronted Peter after His resurrection and asked him if he loved Him three times, to which Peter responded in the affirmative. Each response from Jesus to Peter had to do with Jesus' flock. The three reactions from Jesus to Peter were to feed and take care of His sheep. Once given this charge from Jesus, Peter passed that responsibility to all the followers and believers in Christ Jesus. God gave this responsibility to "the elders" among you (1 Peter 5:1), which does not necessarily point to specific church leaders. Jesus meant this responsibility fell to all that have placed their faith and trust in Christ Jesus (Acts 1:8). Every Christian is a shepherd because we have certain groups of people that watch how we live our lives and use that as an example for their own lives. Always remember how we conduct ourselves could be the sermon that leads a lost person to the saving grace of Christ Jesus and eternal life.