A Flock of Individuals

“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” (Isaiah 40:11)

What does good shepherding look like?  Individual attention to the specific needs of each member of the flock.  The lambs are carried by hand as the shepherd leads them through rough terrain because the babies cannot yet handle the steeper paths, and the mother lambs that must slow down due to their added burdens and fragile state are waited for gently and with patience as they take longer to do what the young rams find easy.

Jesus is the perfect Shepherd.  He recognizes where you are and what you need.  Good shepherding isn’t one-size-fits-all.  He’ll be patient through the difficult seasons of your life and he will only expect of you what you are capable of giving.

We should do likewise with the brethren.  Each of us has our own specific challenges that we face and each of us is learning and growing at a different rate.  If you feel strong right now, use your strength to carry those who are struggling, not condescend to their heartache and struggle.  If you are overwhelmed at the moment, realize that now can be a time of growth and maturing in your faith and recognize some things are going to be harder than others.  It’s a process, but just put one foot in front of the other and don’t quit.

The Shepherd won’t leave you behind or forsake you.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

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