John 10:12

“Unlike the shepherd,” Jesus continues, “The hired worker has no vested interest in the sheep he watches over for the wages he makes. The hireling runs for his life when he sees any wolf coming near him and the sheep. He abandons the sheep in a lickety-split and allows the wolf to catch one and scatter the rest.” John 10:12 EFP 

This passage comes close to home. It is, after all, referring to those who receive remuneration for their trouble of watching over the flock. I trust he is not making a blanket statement on all hirelings. But the point hits the mark, with me and all those who have been placed in a position of caring for the well-being of a flock that does not belong to us.

I cannot overlook that basic realty—the flock to which I have been assigned is not mine. Not one of the sheep belongs to me. I am simply an overseer for the sheep of my master. It is true that since they do not belong to me I can choose to tuck and run whenever danger approaches. I cannot see myself doing that. There is, however, a nuance I cannot overlook: there are things that only the Good Shepherd can do. In this case, only his unique and holy sacrifice qualifies him to be the Good Shepherd, not just another good one amongst many.

I wonder at times whether I have the deep commitment to the safekeeping of my church family. I get a small taste of what God deals with daily with all of us—His children. I am a wily and wild character, but He loves me still the same and longs for the day when I will be what he has created me to be. I do too.