Jesus called us all to make disciples (Matthew 28:19). This means that there are people whom God wants us to get beside and lead to restoration and freedom in Christ. Wherever you live your life, wherever you work or play, there are people in your sphere of influence, and you are called to be a shepherd to those people. There are leaders who have a more formal shepherding role in the church as there were in Israel, but this role is not exclusive to them. Since the day of Pentecost all God’s people are anointed with God’s Spirit and thereby authorised and empowered to be shepherds to a world of lost sheep. That is our responsibility, and we should not forget it. You should not have to look far for opportunities to exercise your shepherding role. You probably already know people who need a bit of help and support. You are probably already meeting the people who need to see a bit of light in their lives. You are a shepherd wherever you are. You may, however, need to go out of your way for a lost sheep. Real ministry often lies on the other side of inconvenience. Be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone to connect with others. Don’t talk at people, connect with them, speak with them, and share your life with them. The best shepherds are good listeners. A good shepherd really cares and is willing to make sacrifices that are not conditional on how a gesture of love is received. You are a shepherd and God is giving you sheep to care for.
Ask God to show you who you should connect with more meaningfully and consistently.
Read Ezekiel 34
