These are the responsibilities of a shepherd.
• Connect with them - the flock.
• Concentrate on their needs. The physical needs are food, water, and shelter. The God given needs are the Word, the Spirit, and the Church family.
• Cast Vision - equip the people for ministry.
• Care for them - like the shepherd of Psalm 23.
• Cover them - protect and defend.
• Chase them - go after the one.
• Correct them – appropriately with the Word and Holy Spirit.
And the Congregation has responsibilities towards their pastor:
• Pray for them.
• Partner with them – participate.
• Present patience & pardon.
• Provide resources.
• Publicly and privately honor them – “Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” 1 Thessalonians 5:13.
Our new Pastor changed his planned sermon and instead, since Psalm 23 had been noted, he preached on Psalm 23. Staring with verses 1-3 he noted that David prayed that God would “restore my soul.”
When we accept Christ, it is more than just getting a Savior. We need to be getting a Lord. We should have surrendered our will to the will of God. He is our Savior, but he is also our Master and our Shepherd. For all things we should be asking for direction of the Holy Spirit. Trust in His Will and in His plan.
The Soul is the unique eternal part that makes each one of us, us. Often we suffer injuries mental as well as physical. When our Souls receive injury, will we allow God to heal us? Or will we try to carry that trauma in our own strength? Our Souls can become weary.
Romans 12:2 says we can take steps to renew our minds but only God can restore our soul.
God was there when hurt the hurt occurred. God restores hurting men and women. He restores us after betrayal.
God restores us, He brings us back to what was or at least to where He plans for us to be.
God wants to and is capable to restore your Soul.
Magnify the Lord, not the hurt or problem.
Psalm 23:4-6. Even though we walk through the dark valley, He is there with us with his rod and staff to protect and comfort. Psalm 23:4.
He Prepares a table for us and anoints us for His purposes. Psalm 23:5.
He follows with us with goodness and love and lets us dwell in His house forever. Psalm 23:6.
We sang this song this morning and it fits all circumstances: Way Maker!
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
