The Shepherd must smell of sheep

[The Simple Plan]

In the western world wealth is often measured in material terms. We live in a society were "reaching there" is often defined as going into a shop and not having to read the price label, or being on television or anything else to have that ever elusive "15 minutes of fame"! I always thought wealth was something about what you could give freely rather than what you received!!

One of the sad things about this concept of wealth is that it has permeated the walls of many who have been committed to taking the gospel to the world. We have ministers on our TV's and radios, constantly begging for more and more money. Living in multi-million pound mansions, charging speaking fees at churches in tens of thousands of pounds (dollars), flying in private jets, having personal bible carriers!!, and even charging for preferred seating in their churches. What ever happened to the simplicity of God's message in the gospel?

Jesus stated that he is the good shepherd. A shepherd leads his flock. Goes after one and leaves ninety-nine in the pen. He spends time with those sheep even the majority of the flock see as untouchable. He loves his sheep, would do anything for his sheep, never allows his sheep to feel inferior in his presence...he smells of his sheep.

How far we have come from the model of that selfless shepherd, previously modelled by Moses, Jacob, Amos and fulfilled in Jesus? The one who gave his all, sacrificied even his dignity when on the cross, just for his sheep...and never charged a penny. I know which shepherd I model myself on.

Dear Lord, thankyou that you are the good shepherd. Amen 

 

 

[GraftMeIn]

Wonderful post Dave! There's so much of this going on in the world, people thinking it's all about what God can do for you, instead of what you can do for God. I hope you don't mind me adding a scripture that backs up what you are saying here.

Matthew
13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

 

[The Simple Plan]

Thankyou GMI

I usually like to post scripture with my devos, but couldn't think of one to add here. The text you gave is truly appropriate

Dave

 

[stumpsitting101]

Hi Dave:
This may be the reason we call our conferences "Retreat(s)" instead of "Advances". Tongue in cheek humor.
Ken

 

[Quiet Storm]

Originally posted by The Simple Plan
having personal bible carriers!!

Are you serious????

 

[Gerry]

Thanks Dave! I could add some additional Scriptures here, but I don't think that will be necessary. This Devo stands alone and well said I might add. And I do love what GMI expressed as people seeeking what God can do for them, rather than what they can do for God. Ya know, THAT is what the Word Faith movement is all about. What God can do for you.

This year I intentionally left off the traditional Christmas/New Year postings. As for me, they simply don't apply anymore. Because each and everyday begins a "New Year" for me. Each day is a new beginning. And each day we must work as though it were our last. We are warned repeatedly in God's Word that we have no guarantee of tomorow, regardless of our age, health condition, or any other factor.

Many things in life we walk away from and leave undone, or incomplete. I don't want to stand in front of Jesus, and say: "Sorry, I just didn't get that finished because....." No, I think we are all on the Home stretch, and we need to turn it up a notch, and give it all we've got!

 

[Gerry]

Originally posted by Quiet Storm
Are you serious????

Not meaning to answer for Dave here, but oh YES! I am sure he is quite serious. Some of the jokers even have sermon writers, just as politicians have speech writers. Religion has become quite a complex and sophisticated business.