Lately, God keeps putting this phrase on my heart, “take care of your flock”. As one chapter of life has ended and another begun, I have questioned what God wants me to do. I think all of us who love God want to do big things for Him. If I’m honest, for myself as well. As a stay at home mom for the last 14 years, I now am in a place of having the freedom to chase my dreams. Something I’ve always looked forward to but now that it’s here, I question if I have it all right. I have prayed day in and day out for clarity and direction. And, “take care of your flock” is what keeps coming up.

In the bible, Jesus calls us his sheep over 200 times. Shepherds and flocks are mentioned throughout the book. Some interesting facts about shepherds and sheep I heard from a podcast I listened to recently:

Every night the shepherd counts his sheep and if one is missing he searches for it. The good shepherd doesn’t give up until he finds him and brings him home.

Shepherds are in front of their sheep leading, never behind. Other animals are lead from behind, like cattle.

Sheep are stupid and defenseless- nothing to protect themselves. No claws, sharp teeth, antlers, etc. like most other animals. Shepherds keep watch and protect them from predators.

Sheep are very dirty and can’t clean themselves- maggots will grow in their coat. The shepherd must keep them clean.

The shepherd makes them rest.

The shepherd feeds them

As I dwell on these facts about sheep and their shepherds, I am first off reminded that God is my good shepherd and I am his sheep. But secondly, it makes me look at my own flock. What has God entrusted to me? Am I being a good shepherd to them?

Bible Verses

Isaiah 40:11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

Zechariah 12:17 What sorrow awaits the worthless shepherd who abandons the flock! The sword will cut his arm and pierce his right eye. His arm will become useless and his right eye completely blind.

Luke 2:8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flock of sheep.

Acts 20: 28 So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock- his church, purchased with His own blood- over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.

Too often, as a shepherd to my own flock, I get distracted. I think now, more than ever before, distraction is at an all-time high. Thanks to phones and social media, news channels, information so readily available to us, whether it’s accurate or not- we can “leave our world” whenever we desire. It is so much easier to compare. People’s highlights of their lives are there in color for us to see on a tiny little device. The desire to be known by many trumps being deeply known by a few. I think of the shepherds thousands of years ago and wonder what would’ve become of their flocks, if they were as distracted as we are in this day of age.

Take care of your flock. The words God keeps putting on my heart. While God is my shepherd, I am also a shepherd to those close to me. My girls, husband, pets, friends, family members, etc. When I search for some big thing to do, some great accomplishment to achieve, more money to make, climbing the social ladder or whatever it is- let me be reminded that my greatest calling is that of a shepherd. A leader. A caretaker. One who always knows the state of their flock. Who watches for predators, provides for their needs, teaches and guides them down the right path. Let this be my biggest accomplishment in life. Not to be known or famous or invent something great- but let me be close to my Father so I can lead my flock to Him. Let me nourish and love on the people around me.

I ask you, “Who is in your flock?”, and what kind of shepherd are you being to them?