What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
In God's economy sheep and shepherds are held in high regard. In the First-Advent God used shepherds abiding in the field by night, as shepherds do during spring lambing season, as his primary heralds, altogether fitting for the “Lamb of God.” He could have sent announcing angels to the priests, who were in charge of the only God ordained religion of the world, or to scribes, pharisees, and lawyers, he did not. He sent them to shepherds - sheep pasturers, called pastors, they had the time, curiosity, initiative, and networking to announce his birth to the commoner. He still uses pastors for that, and the Bible teaches that every believer should have one: not a priest, or a clergy, … a Pastor! Got one? Pray for one!
God concerns himself for sheep with no shepherd “Set a man over the congregation, which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.” (Num.27:16-17), and again “Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace” (2Chron.18:16), and again “And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd” (Ezek.34: 5); and “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matt.9:36).
Of course Christ is God's “Good Shepherd” that giveth his life for the sheep (John.10:11,14,Psalm.22); God's “Great Shepherd” of the sheep, to whom be glory forever and ever (Heb.13:20-21,Psalm.23); and God's “Chief Shepherd” that shall appear (1Pet.5:4,Psalm.24).
An Essay for week #51 - Dec 17, 2023
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs231217.mp3
Preacher's Pilgrimage to Israel Journal www.GSBaptistChurch.com/israel22
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A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit
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