FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

John 10:11; Genesis 4:2; Exodus 3:1; Numbers 27:15-18; I Samuel 17:34-36; II Samuel 7:8; [Psalm 23]; Psalm 78:52, 53; Isaiah 40:11; John 10:1-16; John 10:3; I Corinthians 11:1; Acts 2:1; II Timothy 3:16, 17; I Peter 5:2-4; Titus 2:15; Psalm 79:13

We in the body of Christ all have the opportunity to help someone whether we are leaders or not. To undershepherd someone means to watch over. We can always be prepared with a word of comfort or meet a need of our neighbor.

Jesus Christ is "the" good shepherd. A shepherd is one who watches over his flock. He protects them, makes sure they have food and water and takes care of the needs of the flock. He not only knew how many were in his flock, but would call them by name. The sheep, in turn, knew their shepherd’s voice. Jesus illustrated God’s concern for His children by comparing himself to a good shepherd, willing to even lay down his life for his sheep.

“Keeper of the sheep” is the first profession named in the Bible. Moses was a shepherd, which prepared him to later lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. David was a shepherd, which prepared him to fight Goliath. We do not have to be pastors to take care of people. God will prepare us to help others. But we must choose to answer the call. When the Lord comes knocking on the door, we have to open it. He will then guide us and show us what we need to do. We need to seek direction from Him.

If God gives us someone to watch over or undershepherd, we cannot assume we can give them one thing and that is all they will need in their walk with God. We need to be equipped to help others, not just once a week, but to be involved in their every day living. A shepherd was very responsible. If he did not know what he was doing, his flock could be lost to thieves, animals, etc. We, as Christians, can be fully equipped to take care of those God has entrusted us with. People cannot be forgotten in the masses. We are all part of a family and cannot forget about the individual.

In John 10, the scriptures speak of Jesus Christ as the shepherd. The Lord knows those that are his and the sheep know their shepherd’s voice. As Christians, we need to know when our Lord is speaking to us and when he is not. If someone does not know how to recognize the Lord’s voice, we must teach and encourage that person so they are fully equipped. As the shepherd, Christ will watch over us, lead us to still waters to drink, and protect us from those who want to bring us harm.

We are to be followers of Christ. He has fully equipped us with spirit. We have the scriptures which provide us with doctrine, reproof, and correction, which is instruction in righteousness.

God has equipped us to help others by undershepherding them. Are we listening to that still small voice when God tells us to go talk with someone? Are we answering the door when the Lord knocks?