Is. 40:11 - He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Ezek 34:12 - As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
John 10:1-5
Psalm 23
So in these verses we find the duties of a shepherd. A shepherd is to provide, feed, protect, lead, guide, gather into the fold and correct when necessary. I want to look at how we as mothers, grandmothers, teachers, and Christians can apply the principles to our lives as we influence the world around us.
Provision:
Prov. 13:22a - A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children:
-- doesn't have to be money, can be godly heritage too
1 Tim. 5:8 - But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
--applies to men but many women (especially single moms) help to provide financially, but also can apply to providing meals, clean clothes, clean house, etc.
Gal. 6:10 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
--if we see someone with a need that we can supply we are to do it! - especially for another Christian
Feeding & Teaching:
Ps. 78:5-7 - For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6- That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
7- That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
--we are to teach God's Word to the next generation and also declare His works before them...talk about and praise God when He blesses and speak about His chastisements too. - so they learn that God blesses and corrects His children
Acts 18:26 - And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
--men and women are to teach God's Word to others
Titus 2:3-5 - The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4- That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5- To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
--older should teach younger in word and by example
Gal. 6:6 - Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
--more grounded Christians should help teach new Christians
Gathering:
Mark 10:13-14 - And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14- But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
--bring kids to Christ, make them part of the fold
Prov. 11:36 - The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
--witness and tell others about salvation of Christ
Acts 8:29-31 - Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30-And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31-And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Acts 8:35 - Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
--Philip immediately was obedient to the prodding of the Holy Spirit, and was bold in preaching Jesus to the man
Correction & Guidance:
Prov. 22:15 - Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Prov. 29:15 - The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
--children need consitant correction and discipline---when left to themselves to raise they will not make right choices and will definitely get into mischief and sin that bring shame
Eph. 5:9-11 - (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 - Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11- And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
--correct others (in love) when they do wrong and all things should be proven what is acceptable to God by His Word
1 Tim. 5:20 - Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
--when grave sin is present, it should be rebuked before all so others know not to do it
Phil. 2:15 - That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst os a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
--be a guiding shining light that points to Jesus!
Now the last thing I want to talk about is based on the verses in John 10. These verses talk about "his own sheep" and "they hear my voice". In other words it is a personal relationship not just an acquaintance.
We need to be personal with those God gives us to influence. Our children need to feel close to us and should know us well enough that they know what is expected of them. (Don't be wishy-washy in our standards and expectations of them) Our influence should reflect on them.
Our children and children we teach at church or any other place should hear our words echoing in their ears when they are tempted. These should be from Bible lessons we have taught. We should be living examples to follow! If you want your children to pray then let them see you praying. If you want them to trust God in all areas then let them see you do that. If you want them to be kind to others and bear other's burdens then let them see you do it. The best way to to that is to start young and make them participate when you make a meal for someone. Let them help make it and deliver it, for an example. Children learn what they live!
We can also have the same positive infuence on other adults. The same principle applies.
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