S)" 4 I will also raise up shepherds over them and they will tend them; and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the LORD."
Jeremiah 23:4 (NASB)
O) This is a subtle promise that I never saw before. If I am responsible for any of God's people, that means He has raised me up as a shepherd over them. So, as I lead my family, they are His flock that I am tending. If I am tending them well, as I should, leading them and not driving them, and protecting them and caring for them, then they will not be afraid, or terrified, or missing (emotionally/spiritually).
A) I need to be a good shepherd for the Lord! In John 10:12, Jesus asserts that a hired hand is not invested in the sheep the way a true shepherd is. When the shepherd is tending his father's flock, he will protect and provide, even unto death. I need to be that shepherd for my family, who are my Father's sheep. In that, I will deliver peace to them, so they are not afraid, so they are not terrified, and they will not scatter, even if disaster strikes. I also need to protect myself, so that I am not struck down myself, which can cause them to be lost as well. All of this is done through devotion, sacrifice, humility, prayer, Bible study, etc. So, I press on.
P) Father, I will tend Your sheep as your son and shepherd. God, I want to protect my family and give them peace, and lead them in truth and righteousness, and prosperity and goodness. All of that comes from me first following You, Lord. Let all of this study of Your words, God, all of this dedication, bear fruit in my life so that my family will be blessed. Holy Spirit, help me to stay fully invested in the lives of each of my children, and Kristin, so that I am compelled completely to their growth and protection. This is how I will love my family. Father, thank You for this promise of peace for them, please deliver them from fear as of this day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) I need to be a good shepherd for the Lord! In John 10:12, Jesus asserts that a hired hand is not invested in the sheep the way a true shepherd is. When the shepherd is tending his father's flock, he will protect and provide, even unto death. I need to be that shepherd for my family, who are my Father's sheep. In that, I will deliver peace to them, so they are not afraid, so they are not terrified, and they will not scatter, even if disaster strikes. I also need to protect myself, so that I am not struck down myself, which can cause them to be lost as well. All of this is done through devotion, sacrifice, humility, prayer, Bible study, etc. So, I press on.
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