How can we actively "shepherd" others as God does in Psalm 28:9? The Verse That Frames Our Calling “Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; shepherd them and carry them forever.” (Psalm 28:9) What God’s Shepherding Looks Like • He rescues – “Save Your people.” • He enriches – “Bless Your inheritance.” • He guides and guards – “Shepherd them.” • He sustains – “Carry them forever.” Because we are made in His image and indwelt by His Spirit, we are called to reflect these same actions toward others. Practical Ways to Shepherd Others • Rescue the vulnerable – Step in when someone is drifting into sin (Galatians 6:1). – Offer material help when needs are urgent (James 2:15-16). • Enrich with blessing – Speak words that build up (Ephesians 4:29). – Share Scripture faithfully, not opinions, so that truth nourishes (Colossians 3:16). • Guide and guard – Lead by example, walking in holiness (1 Peter 5:3). – Set biblical boundaries when teaching or mentoring (2 Timothy 2:15). – Warn against false teaching, just as Paul did (Acts 20:28-30). • Sustain for the long haul – Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). – Stay present through seasons of trial, reflecting the Shepherd who “carries” His sheep (Isaiah 40:11). Motivations That Keep Us Faithful • Christ modeled perfect shepherding: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11). • We shepherd under His authority and will answer to Him: “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4). • The flock belongs to God, not to us: “Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28). Encouraging Promises to Remember • He supplies the strength: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1). • He rewards faithfulness: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown His name as you have served His saints.” (Hebrews 6:10). • He finishes what He starts: the Shepherd who carries His people “forever” will also carry us as we care for them (Philippians 1:6). Putting It Into Practice This Week • Identify one person God has placed near you who needs rescue, enrichment, guidance, or sustaining support. • Pray specifically for that person each day, asking how to mirror the Shepherd’s care. • Take one concrete, loving action that aligns with Psalm 28:9—then watch the Chief Shepherd work through you. |
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