It wasn’t until yesterday that I noticed a pattern in the purchases for my yard. Lining the sidewalk near the entry, I have solar-powered lanterns hanging on shepherd's hooks; it’s a well-lit path. I also have lanterns on my porch hung on a bracket similar to a shepherd’s hook. Then, of course, my two bird feeders, one in the front yard and one in the back; they also hang on shepherd's hooks. What is my obsession with these? So I asked the Holy Spirit to fill me in on the details of what he’s trying to tell me. It makes sense that I have them because the shepherds use them to guide the sheep, catch them, help fend off predators, and assist them in balancing in rough terrain. As Christians, we receive our guidance from the Good Shepherd, but we are also shepherds. We guide others toward Jesus, correct their path, bring them in close, and help them fend off predators. It’s part of our mission as Christ-followers to help guide and direct the course of the people that God has given us as our mission. Because of this mission, it is vitally important to follow Jesus closely and avoid misrepresentation. We don’t want our sheep wandering off; ungodly predators are waiting to devour them.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4
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