Suffering Shepherd

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As a result of the reading, many of the scriptures and thoughts of ministry seem to relate more and more to the Shepherding image. In particular, as I prepare for Christmas this week, I think of the Shepherds that were in the field on the night of the birth of Jesus. In particular, I think of them as they were described in Luke 2:8 "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night." NIV. In particular, I am reminded that the Shepherds were not living a life of comfort, but were with their sheep in the dark of night, in the cold, protecting them from danger. They had to live the same life as their sheep, and had to be present with them in order to be good shepherds.

Into this setting the baby Jesus is born, who used the image of a Shepherd throughout his teaching. But even more importantly, he took the role of a shepherd by putting himself in the middle of the environment in which his sheep lived. He did not concern himself with his own comfort, but just as the Shepherd were tending their flocks when he was born, he came to live with his flock, giving up the comforts of heaven.

Do I do that as a pastor and chaplain? I would hope so, but I also know there are many times I have avoided the discomforts of life around me to seek my own good and not that of those I serve. Whether to avoid conflict, discomfort, or out of apathy, the life of a shepherd is not always attractive or easy. However, it is one I am called to as a pastor.

Fortunately, I know that I am not the lead shepherd, but an under-shepherd, following the lead of Jesus. With his in mind, when I am too aware of the difficulty of shepherding, I am reminded that I am not the one who is leading the sheep, but Jesus is. I am fulfilling my limited role as one of his shepherds, leading those I lead, but following a much larger group of sheep and shepherd who follow Jesus.

With this in mind, I can be confident in discomfort, knowing that the Good Shepherd has a destination in mind. He has the good of the sheep in mind. And he has the ability to protect his flock and lead them safely home.