Living Above Reproach

            I’m convinced that the list of qualities Paul expressed to Timothy regarding selection of spiritual leaders (elders especially) are characteristics every Christian is to be striving for.  Too many times we leave others more spiritual than we are to achieve these goals and then reward them by giving them the title “elder.”  Actually the list recorded in 1 Timothy 3 (and Titus 1) describe God’s purpose for every one of His children. Our spiritual leaders are to be examples that we can observe and be encouraged to imitate.

            The main thing to look for in those who would lead the flock is their ability to get back up after being knocked down.  That is the meaning behind Paul’s term for “above reproach.”  It doesn’t mean to be sinless or less sinful than others.  No one could ever live up to that standard.  The apostle John says as much (1 John 1:8, 10).  No, the concept behind the word used refers to a boxer who, after taking a hit (struggles with some sin, mistake or temptation), is willing and courageous enough to get back up and continue the fight (humbles himself in order to allow God to help him recover from his setbacks and willingly tries again – this time stronger for the next round of attacks). 

            There are many opportunities that Satan takes advantage of to try and knock us down and discourage us to the point where we “throw in the towel” and quit.  But with God on our side (and our determination to keep growing in our relationship with Him), we have an ample supply of strength to continue to get back up and keep fighting.  And we will most likely get knocked down again.  But The Spirit is always right there with us to bolster our courage to rebound and try again.  The good thing in all of this is that every time we go through a setback, when we get back at it we are smarter than before and stronger so as to defend our weakness from another attack.

            Our goal, as disciples of Christ, must be nothing short of attempting to live above reproach.  This will show others around us the inner strength that God promises to all who allow Him to lead them through life.  Yes, it may be embarrassing (and sometimes painful – physically as well as emotionally), but the strength needed to persevere right up to the point of death comes only through battling Satan and continuing to fight until we are called home.

            So are you the fighter or the defeated?  Remember, those in heaven at the end will be the battle-scarred warriors, not the observers.  Get in there and keep fighting.  God has promised to help you keep going and to win in the end (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Doug

The Gift of Contentment

Contentment in life is what most people of any age seek.  Everyone wants to be happy, well-fed, secure and satisfied with their circumstances.  Yet few seem to find it, because they’re looking in the wrong place for it.  Too many think it is found in a secure job, or an intimate relationship with another human, or in financial stability, or beauty, or intelligence.  These things are fleeting; they’re not able to bring contentment. 

True, lasting contentment in life is a gift from God; it is bestowed on all who come to Him for healing and continue to walk in His ways.  And two other qualities that most seek, but find equally elusive, come as a natural result of God’s gift of contentment – Courage and Confidence.  These shore up contentment and form a refuge for it ensuring its longevity. 

            Consider David’s most famous song:

            Psalm 23:1-3 – Contentment is only in YHWH.

            “The LORD (YHWH) is my shepherd! I don’t lack a thing.”

              With God on our side we can’t lose (see Romans 8:31).

              He ensures that we relax and feel secure in Him.

              He has provided Jesus, living water to refresh us.

              He restores and improves our spiritual standing.

              He guides us on the path that returns us to Himself.

            Psalm 23:4-5 – Courage comes by experience with Him.

              There’s nothing to fear when He is by our side.

              His protection (rod) & correction (staff) inspire maturity.

              We have blessings the world craves.

              He provides healing for our souls.

              He continually heaps blessings upon us.

            Psalm 23:6 – Confidence comes from a growing faith.

         God’s goodness & mercy overshadow all of life’s troubles.

              Our fellowship with God will continue on forever.

The Apostle Paul learned the same thing about contentment (see Philippians 4:11-13). Fortunately he realized this truth in time to endure a long, unjust imprisonment and remain faithful (2 Tim 4:6-8). And we are all given the same promise if we surrender to God and allow Him to bless us with plenty of it.  Striving to walk in His ways will also instill the courage and confidence to bolster your contentment and provide even more.

So call on your Shepherd, follow His lead, and stay close to Him.  He’s the only source of the contentment you’re searching for.  And He would love to bathe you with an endless supply of it.

Doug

The Shepherd-King

     By the title you’re no doubt thinking about David.  That’s good, because God’s standard for His kings was the shepherd-turned-king.  He is also the one who penned the great shepherd psalm (Psalm 23).  However, there is another great shepherd-king; one that many take for granted.  God, Himself, says that He is our shepherd and He is the King of Kings.  It can’t be sacrilegious, then, to think of God this way; especially since He refers to Himself with this imagery (Jeremiah 23 & Ezekiel 34).

            So what can we learn about God with these mysterious revelations?

            First, we can know that He cares for us in a very special way.  Taking note of Psalm 23 it is apparent that He is a loving provider: no lack of anything, still waters, green pastures, anointing oil.  He sees that we have an abundance of every good, practical, and peaceful thing.

            Secondly, He stands guard to protect us.  His rod keeps our enemy at bay.

            Thirdly, He guides us through life (good times as well as bad).  His staff keeps us on the right path and He shares our trek through the valley of the shadow of death.

            Fourth, and most important, He generously gives us a safe, comfortable home; one we will occupy for eternity in His presence.

            Keep in mind, though, that we do have an obligation toward Him in light of all these wonderful blessings.  We are required to follow our Shepherd.  It won’t do for us to wander off the true path and go exploring.  Outside of His sheepfold lies danger in the form of poisonous influences and predators hungry for a kill.  Only by keeping in step with God / Jesus (trusting, obeying, and persevering) can we be safe from all harm.

 

            If you’re striving to stay in step with your Shepherd-king, remember to continue to be the holy and righteous person He created you to be; keep walking in the light with Him.             If, however, you have been lax and have drifted away, consider it time to return to the Shepherd of your soul.  It’s very comforting to enjoy the blessings of a Shepherd who willingly provides all of your needs and protections.  Come to Him; He cares for you.  And He wants to make wonderful things of your life.

Doug

The People’s Shepherd

God throughout Scripture represents His people as sheep and Himself as their shepherd. That’s interesting because what I read about the cultural views of shepherds during the biblical time periods paints a picture that really shouldn’t include God, the Father. Shepherds weren’t held in high esteem, in fact many peoples despised them (Genesis 46:34). It was probably because they were smelly from being around stinky animals; they were dirty since they spent most of their time in the wilderness; they were strangers to most people wandering around from place to place in search of pasture. These descriptions don’t seem to fit a holy, righteous God that is to be honored, revered, and respected. It appears that shepherding was the job everyone needed but that no one wanted (it usually fell to the lowliest or even the youngest in the family – 1 Samuel 16:11).

Yet most of the great heroes of the faith were shepherds: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses (when God called him), and David (before he was king). So to God, being a shepherd was not derogatory, unseemly, or lowly. It was actually a very important job since they had to tend to the animals used for sacrifice (which had to be perfect specimens – no handicaps, bruises or blemishes). To Him, it was a needed and honorable profession.

In Jeremiah 23:1-8 (and many other places), God depicts the leaders of His people as shepherds. He holds them responsible for taking care of His people. But He was deeply disturbed that His shepherds had oppressed His people and had scattered His flock by oppressing them for their own greedy gain and neglecting to care for their needs (see also Ezekiel 34). So He promised to punish these worthless shepherds very severely.

And that’s when He makes His astounding announcement: He declares that He Himself will become His people’s shepherd! What??? The Righteous and Holy, Creator God – forever to be respected, esteemed, and highly honored – will take the job no one wants; the one forced upon the lowliest of mankind? Yes because His worthless shepherds have driven His sheep away from safe pasture and their lives are now in danger of exposure to the elements and predators. That’s the opposite of what His intentions are. He wants us all back safe and sound in His place; He wants us to be well-fed and healthy; He wants to calm our fears and to protect us from enemy predators. Since His appointees think this work is beneath them, He willingly steps in and becomes the servant-leader His people need.

This prophecy from Jeremiah and Ezekiel was fulfilled when Jesus arrived and gave His life on the cross to atone for our sins. As He Himself declares, He is the door/gate to God’s sheep pen (John 10:1-10). This is perfect for it acknowledges that Jesus is the avenue by which we gain access to our loving Shepherd (see too John 14:6). This allows us the privilege of being shielded by His grace, protected from the evil one, and blessed with the peace of mind and contentment that comes with our sins being remitted. Now His Spirit guides us from within and leads us along safe paths through the wilderness – if we’re willing to follow His lead. And we have all the blessings depicted in the great shepherd Psalm 23: Courage, Confidence, and Contentment.

Being in the Shepherd’s flock provides the abundant life everyone is seeking both now and forever more. Most are not finding it because they’re following robbing, thieving shepherds (Satan = self) or they’re trying to figure things out on their own. That’s why those outside of Christ are called “lost” and why they’re angry, and lonely, and abused. Don’t listen to the critics and antagonists: they don’t know what they’re doing or where they’re going. You will end up like them – dead meat for the predators (1 Peter 5:8).

No, get into Jesus and stay under His loving care. Follow the Good Shepherd to healthy pastures. You’ll have everything you need for the journey home. And you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with being sure that you’re on the right path, the one that truly leads back to the palace the Father has prepared for you to enjoy for eternity.

Doug