A shepherd lost one of his sheep. He was advised not to bother looking for the sheep in the sheep market because there were so many sheep in the market. However, the shepherd devised a strategy. He simply stood at the centre of the market and made a unique sound that his sheep was used to. Within minutes, the sheep ran out from where it was kept tracing the sound and eventually located the shepherd. That is the power of the shepherd’s voice.
Friend, one of the greatest needs of a man is the need for a shepherding voice and authority. This is why Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd; Peter referred to Him as the Chief Shepherd (John 10:11, 1 Peter 5:1-4). When Jesus saw the multitudes, His concern was nothing other than the absence of a shepherd in their lives (Matthew 9:35-36).
The need for correct shepherding in our world today cannot be overemphasised. People do not need more teachers and preachers. They do not need more politicians, prophets, or prayer contractors. What they need is shepherding (Jeremiah 3:15).
Jesus had just finished an itinerant ministry teaching, preaching, and healing people. He really had a great time of ministry. But he still realized that all of these cannot replace the ministry of a shepherd in their lives. The reason they fainted and were scattered abroad (looking for healings and helps) is because of the lack of a shepherd.
You need to put first things first. When the ministry of a shepherd in your life is established, all other things would begin to fall in place (Jeremiah 3:15). The voice of a shepherd will prevent you from danger, bring stability to your life, give direction, bring health and wholeness, dissolve doubts and fears, etc. (Psalms 23:1-6, Ezekiel 34:1-6, John 10:4-5).
There is a reason we are called sheep. It is not because we are stupid but because we follow leadership (John 10:14, 21:15-17, Hebrews 13:17). A sheep may look vulnerable, but he has the greatest protection and provision. When God locates you under a shepherding authority, He has solved 99% of your problems in life. Don’t be a sheep without a shepherd (pastor). Locate your sheepfold (Church family). Stop grazing here and there!
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria