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The True Shepherd
Linda Guy

I have a quiz for you. Who is this person?

He is my shepherd and leads and guides me.
He is my covering, for without him, I am game for the enemy.
He is the door, and protects me by closing it on the works of the enemy.
He is the key to my being blessed, for attached to him, I will receive all that God promises.
He is the way to God. There is no other way, except through him.
My destiny is locked up in my relationship with him.
He commands that I be submitted to him, and committed to him.
He tells me to trust him and have confidence in him.
He is the man with the plan. Without him, I am heading for disaster.
He is the voice of God. He is the source of God's word to my heart.

I know you will answer that this person is Jesus Christ, and that is absolutely true. If this describes all that Christ is, then how can a man stand up and make claims that he is all these things? I have heard television preachers, and pastors and leaders in local churches say these exact words. Sadly, I admit I have 'submitted' and 'committed' to them. Yet still I was overcome by the enemy, confused, never seemed to enjoy God's promises, found the man couldn't be trusted, and ended up in personal disaster.

And of course, my failures and personal disasters only proved that I wasn't submitted and committed enough. The cycle thus continued, as motivated by guilt, fear and condemnation, I and, other sheep, tried harder.

This is idolatry. If we have faith in any person to do and be what only Christ is, then we can expect to fall headlong into misery. If any spouse, parent, brother or sister, leader or pastor, sets him or herself up to be god in others' lives, then they too are on the road to being humbled, for God cannot give His glory to another. Many pastors and leaders, walking in the flesh of their own insecurities, need for control or for image, also need a revelation of Christ as their Shepherd.

False shepherds are described in Jeremiah 23; they scatter the sheep, drive them away from God, create fear, and leave them feeling that they are lacking and deficient. Such leaders do not feed the sheep; they only feed themselves, consumed by having their needs met by the commitment and servitude of God's people with genuine hearts. Such sheep often feel they are backsliding. Filled with condemnation, they are convinced that because they no longer measure up, do as the pastor insists, stay committed and submitted, (often to the detriment of their health and families) they have turned their backs on God.

There comes a time for many believers who have been bound and controlled by spiritually abusive systems to 'slide back' from a performance based system. If you are weak, and defeated, allow yourself to back away. Sometimes, God will even allow circumstances to give you a push. You may be rejected; asked to leave; kicked or forced out. Devastating as that may seem, do not be dismayed. One day, you will see that it is the best thing that has happened to you. As you stand back, know in your heart you have not backslidden from God. Is your deepest desire to truly to love and know Christ? He sees your heart.<

God gives a wonderful promise to the abused sheep; "I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding". Jeremiah 3:15

But first, the sheep must rediscover the True Shepherd, the good, the kind, the gentle, the loving Shepherd. God has allowed you to be put out, that He might bring you in. Back into the true Shepherd's fold, where there is safety and security, love, and mercy following you. Isn't it wonderful that Jesus alone is all of the above and more. What is Jesus to you? Is He your Shepherd; your Door; the anointed One; your destiny, your Vine, is He alone is the source of your life?

As you turn from trust in man, to faith in Christ who dwells within, you can rest knowing God will give you what you need, and be all you need. He will bring to you pastors after His own heart; you will recognize them, for they will not make claims about themselves; they will always point you to Christ, and they will feed you with Him.

" Like a Shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arms He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom." Isaiah 40:11